The Scheldt Offensive received the Amateur Arts Award 2023 at the Ultima Flemish Cultural Awards

On April 30, 2024, the Ultimas23 were awarded to 13 laureates in as many categories.

The Scheldt Offensive led by theater maker Frank Dierens and participation expert An Van den Bergh won the prize of Amateur arts 2023 to receive the Flemish Cultural Awards Ultima.

The Scheldt Offensive deserves the Ultima for Amateur Arts 2023 for its contribution to the image of inclusive and participatory theater, for its inspiring methodology regarding
involving people with disabilities in professional performances, for its non-paternalistic vision of inclusion and diversity in the arts field and for its relentless
creativity and passion of her performances.

The Scheldt Offensive organizes workshops to provide a creative and inclusive space for people with and without disabilities. Participants can express their passion through theater workshops
to discover, develop and share drama with others. These are their studios:

KIEM: a weekly theater workshop in Cultuurhuis Merelbeke, intended for (young) adults with disabilities (16+) and supervised by professional theater teachers.
BRUUT: an inclusive theater studio on Saturday mornings where people with and without disabilities act together and look for what playing can mean for them.
PARADE: a circus theater training in Bruges for performers with disabilities, in collaboration with Cirque Plus and Woesh.
The goal is not only to identify talent, but also to showcase it to a wide audience.

Despite its youth, The Scheldt Offensive has already built up an impressive reputation. Reactions to the performances and approach are unanimously positive. The participatory and co-
creative working method and the strong bond between participants, coaches and supervisors are widely praised. In 2020, the Scheldt Offensive became the official house company of Cultuurhuis Merelbeke. This recognition underlines the value and impact of their work within the cultural community. The future of the Scheldt Offensive looks promising.

Die Verdammte Spielerei from Ghent is the Winner of the Ultima Audience Award 2023. The unique company of musicians gives a hilarious twist to the classic fanfare. With a mix of absurdity, humor and top musicality, they know how to surprise and entertain their audience again and again.