Vera Adriaanse, a recent graduate of the teacher training programme in Visual Arts and Design (DBKV) at the Willem de Kooning Academy, has won the Guts & Glory Prize for her educational tool Observaties Observeren. The award, which celebrates bold and visionary contributions to art education, was presented during a national pitch event showcasing emerging talent in the field.
Vera's tool is designed to enhance visual observation skills across diverse settings, from classrooms to community centers and even corporate environments. At its core are ten customizable “frames,” each encouraging users to explore their surroundings through a unique lens, such as the “ant’s-eye view” or the “movement perspective.” Participants can document their findings through drawing, photography, memory, or conversation, fostering both creativity and awareness.
“I want people to become more conscious of their environment,” Vera explains. “The tool sparked enthusiasm across all age groups - from BSO pupils to economics students and seniors. It led to rich conversations, fresh insights, and beautiful visual results.”
The Guts & Glory Prize, inspired by the book No Guts No Glory: Art at the Heart of Education, includes a €750 development grant, with the possibility of an additional €750 after a follow-up evaluation. Vera plans to use the funds to professionalize her tool, develop a website, and expand its reach.
The jury, composed of Gemma Tegelaers, Inge Hekman, Emiel Heijnen, and Anne Bos, recognized the potential of Observaties Observeren to evolve into a widely applicable and inspiring educational resource. Vera's win highlights the innovative spirit of the new generation of art educators, who are redefining the role of creative tools in tackling contemporary challenges.
Vera's graduation was previously featured in our Graduation Series 2025, read the interview here to learn more about her project.
Interested to know more about Vera's project? You can get in touch with her via veraadriaanse@outlook.com.
