As part of the 2026 Rundgang, this year’s Rundgang prizes from the Kassel Art Academy were awarded on Thursday evening (9 July). With these annual awards, the Kassel Art Academy honours outstanding work by its students, which is presented during the annual exhibition. The awards are made possible by the support of long-standing sponsors.
An independent expert jury, comprising Alexandra Berge (Culture Officer, cdw Foundation Kassel), Claire Valérie Zimmermann (research assistant, University of Kassel, Department of Art and Knowledge) and Marén Freyer (Director of the Centre for Creative Industries (ZfKW), responsible for controlling and project management), decided on the winners of the SV SparkassenVersicherung Prize, the Birgitt Bolsmann Prize and the Kassel Art Academy Staff Prize.
2026 Prize Winners – Jury Statements:
SV SparkassenVersicherung Prize
The jury has decided to award this year’s SV SparkassenVersicherung Prize, worth a total of 2,500 euros, to three works.
Magdalena Henfling receives 1,000 euros for her work Hystéra. The installation impresses with its clear, minimalist formal language whilst simultaneously addressing an emotionally charged theme.
Tony Bartos receives 1,000 euros for his work Transition of the Current. This painterly work explores questions of vulnerability and identity, whilst developing a strong, engaging presence.
Soukaina El Adak receives 500 euros for her performance *Routine*. The work projects the contents of visitors’ bags onto a screen, thereby immediately creating a sense of unease.
Birgitt Bolsmann Prize
The Birgitt Bolsmann Prize, worth 1,100 euros, goes to Alina Klankers. The jury commends her masterful use of colour and material, which combines different artistic approaches. The award-winning portrait captivated the jury with its precise composition. Klankers finds the figurative within the abstract, whilst simultaneously challenging the notion that figuration must always depict reality.
Kassel Art Academy Staff Prize
The Kassel Art Academy Staff Prize, worth 600 euros, goes to the exhibition Book Therapy by the Graphic Design Department, led by Santiago da Silva. The award recognises the collective working method, the compelling exhibition concept, the artistic execution and the insights into the creative process, which form an integral part of the exhibition itself. Particular emphasis is placed on the successful interplay between individual designs and the collective outcome achieved as a group.
About the Rundgang 2026
From Thursday evening (9 July) to Sunday (12 July), the Kassel Art Academy will open its doors for the Rundgang 2026. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the academy and view works from the fields of art, design and science. More than 100 works and projects are on display across the entire campus, including sculptures, paintings, performances, sound and video installations, photographs and design works. The programme is complemented by a varied film programme.
Further information on the Rundgang 2026 programme:
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