The amount awarded per prize ranges from €15,000 to €25,000
Candidates must submit a file that includes:
Project description (see general rules and specific rules for each category)
Biography/Resume of the main participants in the project
Full project budget
Precise use of the prize funds in the project: Priority will be given to projects that need the Foundation's support to materialize, but the Foundation may also choose to be the first to believe in the presented projects and offer initial support.
Application files must be submitted by January 15th either by email to info@fondationbdl.com or by mail to: Fondation Bernard de Launoit, Avenue Albert 130, 1190 Brussels, Belgium.
- The project must either be in progress, in which case its completion must occur within 12 months after the award is granted or be planned for the future, in which case its completion must occur within 24 months after the award is granted. If the project is not completed within the allotted time, the Foundation reserves the right to review the reasons for its non-completion or partial completion and may request the return of the awarded prize.
- Candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application and must not be over 35 years old during the awards ceremony.
- Candidates can be either individuals or legal entities; in the latter case, the primary individuals involved in the project must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Music Category (2026)
The Bernard de Launoit – Music Prize is intended to support a musical project or initiative led by one or more young artists between 18 and 35 years old. The project must stand out for its ambitious and innovative nature and be part of an approach emphasizing artistic excellence, openness, and sharing with audiences. The program is open to all musical genres. Preference will be given to projects demonstrating a strong live or performative aspect, fostering direct contact with the audience.
To be eligible, candidates (or groups of candidates) must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old on December 31 of the current year;
- Either be Belgian, or a national of a European Union country, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, and have resided in Belgium for at least 2 years;
- Submit a project in the field of music (classical, contemporary, jazz, pop, rock, world music, current music, etc.);
- Be able to complete the project within 18 months from the awarding of the prize.
The application file must include:
A motivation letter (max 1 page);
A project statement of intent (objectives, means, timeline, max 2 pages);
A provisional budget (including the prize amount);
An artistic resume of the candidate(s);
Any audiovisual materials (links or files) allowing assessment of the artistic work.
The file must be submitted before January 15th, 2026 by email to info@fondationbdl.com.
The laureate will be selected by a jury composed of qualified personalities from the music world. The jury will evaluate applications based on the following criteria:
• Artistic quality and originality of the project;
• Feasibility and budget coherence;
• Scope and innovative dimension;
• Interest of the project for the public, accessibility, and live diffusion potential.
The jury reserves the right not to award the prize if no application meets the requirements of the regulations.
The laureate commits to:
• Mention the support of the Fondation Bernard de Launoit in all communications related to the project;
• Submit a final illustrated narrative and financial report at the end of the project.
Visual Arts Category (2026)
Prize awarded in 2026, application deadline January 15th, 2026.
The Bernard de Launoit Prize – Visual Arts, worth €15,000, aims to support and promote a project led by one or more artists in the field of Visual Arts: painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, performance, or digital arts. It may also support the production of catalogues or a multidisciplinary art event organized by the applicant.
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old on December 31, 2025
- Present a project in the field of Visual Arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, performance, digital arts)
- Be able to complete the project within 12 months following the award of the prize
PROJECT PROPOSAL
Le dossier de candidature comportera une proposition de maximum 10 pages expliquant ce que vous avez l’intention d’accomplir. Le dossier doit être rédigé en français, en néerlandais ou en anglais.
BIOGRAPHY
PROJECT
A detailed presentation (500 words) related to the project submitted for the prize.
A detailed estimated budget.
Un budget prévisionnel précis.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The prize will be awarded by a jury composed of leading figures from the art world, based on the following criteria:
• Ambition and originality of the project
• Feasibility
• Feasibility;
• Visibility and impact of the future project
• Budget coherence.
The jury reserves the right not to award the prize if no application meets the requirements of the
regulations.
COMMITMENTS OF THE LAUREATE
The laureate agrees to:
• Mention the support of the Bernard de Launoit Foundation in all communications related to the project
• Submit a final illustrated narrative and financial report at the end of the project
• Document the creation process throughout the project (photos, videos, texts) to provide material for the Foundation’s communications.
Cinema Category (2027)
Prize awarded in 2027, applications open in June 2026.
The Bernard de Launoit Prize for Cinema supports Belgian or international film initiatives in the fields of fiction or documentary. Covering several categories of the Foundation, the Cinema Prize can support a first original production, a film project related to music, adventure, or art, or a work
focused on culture and youth. It will always support original and ambitious film productions.
Specific requirements:
- A feature-length documentary or fiction film (over 60 minutes)
- First or second film
- Based on a written screenplay with Belgian production or co-production (even if minority)
- The film must be in one of the Belgian national languages (French, Dutch, or German)
- All film projects are accepted regardless of genre, provided they explore themes of adventure, discovery, or culture (visual arts & music).
- The project's feasibility criteria will also be evaluated.
Application file must include:
An author’s/director’s note of intent (1 page max)
A synopsis (1 page max)
The complete screenplay or a developed treatment for a documentary
A moodboard
A budget
A letter of commitment from the producers and partners
Mountain Adventure Category (2027)
Prize awarded in 2027, applications open in June 2026.
The Bernard de Launoit Prize for Mountain & Adventure seeks to support a specific project initiated and carried out by young people in their quest for adventure, emphasizing the crucial importance of exploration and, more specifically, its values of commitment, respect for people and the environment.
The program is open to all relevant adventure disciplines. Candidates must not only demonstrate a spirit of exploration but also present an original project, whether individual or collaborative, with a clear objective. Priority will be given to projects that have the potential for significant personal
growth, while always respecting the human and moral values passed down by great explorers and adventurers.
If you are ready to take on the challenge and push the boundaries of your adventure dreams, we encourage you to apply.
The application file must include: