Nominations are now open for the third Peace Broker Prize, awarded by the Balkan Museum Network (BMN) to museum professionals in the Western Balkans who use cultural heritage to advance peacebuilding, intercultural dialogue and social cohesion.
In a region marked by contested histories and ongoing social challenges, peacebuilding means more than conflict resolution. It means addressing inequality, overcoming cultural divisions, promoting inclusion and confronting the legacy of historical injustice.
Through their work with heritage, museum professionals are poised to foster dialogue, challenge stereotypes and build understanding across communities. The Prize honors these efforts and the people behind them.
About the Prize
The Peace Broker Prize was initiated in 2024 by Dr. Diana Walters, honorary and founding member of BMN. Previous recipients: 2024 – Merima Ražanica (War Childhood Museum); 2025 – Irena Ruzhin (National Institution Institute and Museum Bitola).
Who can be nominated?
The Prize honors one individual each year. Nominees must be:
- Museum professionals (staff, freelancers or volunteers) working in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia or Serbia;
- Practitioners with a proven record of peacebuilding work through a museum or cultural heritage institution
The Peace Broker Prize recognises individuals rather than institutions or teams, but nominations may describe work carried out in collaboration with others.
Previous recipients may not be nominated again.
What will be assessed?
The jury will look for work that:
- Tackles difficult or sensitive historical and social topics and opens space for honest conversation
- Promotes non-violent communication and challenges stereotypes
- Creates inclusive, participatory spaces for intercultural or intergenerational dialogue
- Strengthens community engagement, reconciliation and social cohesion through cultural heritage
Who can nominate?
Anyone can put forward a colleague, collaborator or community partner whose work deserves this recognition. BMN membership is not required to either nominate or be nominated. Please note that self-nominations will not be accepted.
How to nominate
To nominate someone, complete the online form HERE.
You will be asked to include:
- Description of the nominee’s contributions, focusing on specific projects, exhibitions, programs or activities
- Impact on their community, especially amid resistance, limited resources or other challenges
- Supporting materials such as media reports, articles or project links (optional, but encouraged).
Nominations are accepted in English.
Deadline for nominations is: 25 December, 2026, 23:59 CET.
Selection
A jury will review all nominations and select a single winner of the Peace Broker Prize. The jury’s decision is final.
The winner will be notified by 1 February 2027 and announced on the BMN website (bmuseums.net) and social media channels.
What does the Prize include?
- A monetary prize of EUR 300 net?
- Public recognition through BMN.
- An invitation to present their work at online (details to be discussed)Â
Data protection
By submitting a nomination, you confirm that the nominee is aware of it and agrees to the publication of their name, photo and nomination text in the even that they are selected.
Questions about the Prize or the nomination process? Write to info@bmuseums.net before 25 December, 2026.
