The ZKB Prizes

Since their launch in 2001, the ZKB Prizes have helped shape the festival’s profile. The label «Nominated for the ZKB Patronage Prize» has come to stand for exciting and distinctive emerging talent. Together with Zürcher Kantonalbank, we look forward to continuing our long-term commitment this year.

ZKB Audience Prize Fr. 10,000.–

ZKB Patronage Prize Fr. 30,000.–

The ZKB Patronage Prize is awarded to a company or an artist working in theatre, dance or performance art. The aim of this prize is to support the chosen recipient in their future projects. It is awarded to a performance whose premiere has taken place within the past three years and represents independent theatre in a distinctive way. The nominees are chosen by the festival board. Precedence is given to artists who have yet to receive a level of public recognition commensurate with their achievements. Former prize-winners are excluded from nomination.

ZKB Acknowledgment Prize Fr. 5000.–

The ZKB Acknowledgement Prize allows for additional recognition and support of a nominee. It is awarded to a company or artist for extraordinary achievement in such areas as choreography, dramaturgy, audience participation or acting. All productions shown in «Short Pieces» are nominated for the ZKB Acknowledgment Prize, unless they have previously been nominated.

International Jury

An independent international jury of five members decides on the recipients of the ZKB Prizes. The jury is appointed by the festival’s programme board and chaired by one of its members. The jury deliberates in private; only the final decisions for the awarded productions are made public. The jury 2026 consists of: