The nominees for both the main prize and the public prize of the 'Accessibility and Inclusion Award' have now been revealed. Through this award, the city aims to spotlight Antwerp initiatives that make a positive contribution to an inclusive society, with a specific focus on people with disabilities. Antwerp residents have the opportunity to vote for their favorite candidate for the public prize until November 1st.
The biennial 'Accessibility and Inclusion Award' seeks to reward individuals, organizations, and projects actively committed to the inclusion of people with disabilities. Each edition features a specific theme, chosen in consultation with the city's Expert Group on Disability and Accessibility. For this inaugural edition, the theme ‘Culture, Leisure, and Associations’ was selected. Projects could be submitted until July 31st.
Two prizes will be awarded: the main prize will be decided by a jury in October, while the public prize will be chosen by Antwerp residents through an online vote running until November 1st. Both winners will receive a piece of art and a certificate.
“"We build an inclusive city together. With the Accessibility and Inclusion Award, we want to make that commitment visible and appreciate it. The ten nominees for this first edition each show in their own way how to ensure everyone can participate in culture, leisure, and association life. But it is the people of Antwerp who decide who wins the public prize, so be sure to vote."
The nominees for this edition include: KOLLECTIEF, Zomer van Antwerpen, Wereld van Rayaan, WeThePeople, On Wheels, KMSKA, Born 4 Dance, JEF in het ziekenhuis, Red Star Line Museum, and Toneelhuis.
The winners of both the main prize and the public prize will be announced on December 1st during the official award ceremony for the ‘Accessibility and Inclusion Award’.
To ensure that every Antwerp resident can fully participate in society, the city developed an accessibility plan in 2022, in collaboration with individuals with disabilities and Inter, the Agency for Accessible Flanders. This plan was updated in 2025.
The updated accessibility plan includes concrete actions aimed at making daily life more accessible for people with disabilities. This covers improvements in buildings and public spaces, leisure activities, communication, mobility, and services. The full accessibility plan can be found at www.toegankelijkantwerpen.be.
