Simone Post (winner ‘Young Designer’): “Of course, winning is an enormous honour and also a really good boost to let you know you’re on the right track. It is great to see that the things I find important in my work are shared and appreciated by others. Winning the Young Designer Award and the financial contribution it includes, means that I’ve been able to experience more independence in my work. I have entered into many collaborations with the industry in recent years. I really believe in the power of this. But this prize means that I can get to work on a few designs that cannot be clearly linked with just one factory, but that span larger, overarching themes. This freedom gives me the opportunity to choose certain topics because I consider them to be really important, without immediately needing a collaborative partner.”

Ninamounah (nominee ‘Young Designer’): “The financial support we were lucky enough to receive during the Award Night contributes to our creative freedom. Among other things, we are currently working on publishing a conceptual photography book next year as an art project in collaboration with photographer Paul Kooiker. We are also affiliated with the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie (Creative Industry Stimulation Fund) whereby we have received a Talent Development sub-scheme that further supports our cultural entrepreneurship. This makes us less dependent on third parties.”

Amber Jae Slooten (nominee ‘Young Designer’): “DDA brings great recognition. After our nomination there was a lot of confirmation for what we do, and it felt really rewarding. We work in a new, even non-existent industry and it can sometimes feel as if we don’t fit into traditional recognition and prizes. Our nomination shows that we actually bring about change, but also that it is recognised by a professional jury as a new, worthy industry. Furthermore, the DDA network is also incredibly valuable. We are really happy with the financial contribution that was immediately invested in new branding and a new website we are currently working on. In short, really grateful to have been recognised in this way!”