Professional Speeddates

By The New Current

Are you looking to gain valuable insights and expand your professional network in a dynamic, fast-paced setting? Join us for an exciting evening of Professional Speeddates, where you’ll have the opportunity to engage in short, powerful conversations with experienced professionals from various fields.

What to Expect:

- Three Personal Conversations: Every participant will have three 10-minute speed dates with different professionals. It's your chance to ask questions, get feedback, and make meaningful connections. When buying a ticket, you’ll be able to list your preferred professionals.

- Focused and Fast-Paced: The format ensures that every minute counts, creating an energetic environment for learning and networking.

Event Details:

- Date: Wednesday, March 5

- Time: 19:00 - 21:30

- Location: Kunstinstituut Melly (Witte de Withstraat 50, Rotterdam)

- Ticket: €7,50, available through the button below.

Why Participate?

- Invaluable Insight: Gain direct access to professionals who have the expertise and experience to guide you in your career or personal development.

- Expand Your Network: Build connections with art professionals and other participants who share your drive for growth.

- Grow Your Skills: Each conversation is a chance to refine your ideas, seek advice, and broaden your perspectives.

Whether you’re seeking career advice, looking to explore new ideas, or simply expanding your professional circle, this event is the perfect opportunity to meet and learn. Don’t miss out on this unique experience, get your ticket (€7,50) with the button below!

Meet the professionals:

BORIS ACKET - Artist / schemerlicht festival

Boris Acket is a multidisciplinary artist and designer exploring the relationship between sound, light, and space through immersive installations and performances. He focuses on generative processes and the intersection of technology and art. As the artistic director of Schemerlicht Festival, Boris curates site-specific works that highlight the connection between nature, technology, and the audience. Participants will want to speeddate with Boris to learn about creating experiential art, curating interdisciplinary festivals, and building projects that push the boundaries of perception.

PETRA LAAPER - cbk rotterdam

Petra Laaper is a program maker for Studio Art Office. Before that, she was intensively connected to the O&O scheme (the current I&V) as chairman, coordinator and as a visual arts consultant at CBK Rotterdam, where she supported artists through advisory roles and funding opportunities. With extensive knowledge of Rotterdam’s contemporary art scene, Petra plays a key role in connecting artists with resources that help develop their practice and visibility. Participants will want to speeddate with Petra to gain insights into navigating funding applications, especially the funding programs of Art Office and building sustainable artistic careers within the local and national art landscape.

Nadine van den bosch - Young collectors circle / garage rdam

Nadine van den Bosch is the founder and director of Young Collectors Circle and works as a freelance curator for a.o. Garage Rotterdam. She is passionate about bridging the gap between artists, collectors, and institutions and is the author of 'Het Grote Kunstkoop Boek', a practical guide to buying art. Participants will want to speeddate with Nadine to gain insights into engaging with collectors, positioning their work in the art market, and understanding the dynamics of contemporary art collecting and curation.

Solange frankort - artist / Placebased

Solange Frankort is an artist and one-half of Studio Verbaan, a duo known for sculptural design that merges art and functionality. Alongside her artistic practice, she is the project leader and location manager of PlaceBASED, overseeing creative hubs like Keilewerf and De Hillevliet. With her deep knowledge of studio spaces and creative work environments, participants can speeddate with Solange to gain insights into finding and securing studio space, building a sustainable art practice, and navigating the intersection of art and design.

SANNE TEN BRINK - BRUTUS

Sanne ten Brink is the artistic director of Brutus, Rotterdam’s largest contemporary art space, known for its experimental exhibitions and dynamic programming. With a background in hosting large-scale, interdisciplinary projects, Sanne focuses on providing artists with the freedom to push boundaries and explore new concepts. Participants will want to speeddate with Sanne to gain insights into developing ambitious projects, working with large art institutions, and understanding how to position their work within experimental and innovative exhibition spaces.

DEWI KRUIJK - STIMULERINGSFONDS

Dewi Kruijk is a project officer at the Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, the Dutch Cultural Fund for architecture, design, and digital culture. She plays a crucial role in supporting innovative projects through funding and guidance, helping creatives navigate the application process and develop impactful proposals. Participants will want to speeddate with Dewi to gain insights into securing funding, understanding the selection criteria, and learning how to successfully position their projects within the creative industries landscape.

maaike muis - communications expert

Maaike Muis is a communications expert and writer specializing in helping artists and creatives craft compelling stories about their work. With extensive experience in the cultural sector, Maaike knows how to translate complex artistic concepts into clear and engaging narratives. She offers valuable insights into presenting yourself and your work to curators, galleries, and funding bodies. Participants will want to speeddate with Maaike to learn how to create the perfect pitch, communicate their artistic vision, and connect with the right audiences.

Lobke Broos - Roof-A Gallery

Lobke Broos is the founder and director of ROOF-A, a dynamic concept where cultural innovation is central. With a capital A, ROOF-A is a meeting place where we connect, question, show and challenge. They offer space for inspiration and ideas, for museum exhibitions and cultural encounters, but also for entrepreneurship and stimulating lively networks. The gallery's programming is multidisciplinary, offering a stage to well-known and new talent.

With a strong focus on talent development and cross-disciplinary collaborations, she provides artists with opportunities to grow both artistically and professionally. Participants will want to speeddate with Lobke to gain insights into gallery representation, building a sustainable art career, and exploring new ways to connect with audiences through innovative exhibition and collaboration models.

GARI KOOLEN - TEC ART / GOGBOT

Gari Koolen is the curator and program manager of TEC Art, a leading platform at Rotterdam Art Week exploring the intersection of art, technology, and society. He is also closely involved with GOGBOT Festival, known for its bold programming at the cutting edge of digital culture, electronic music, and future technologies. Participants will want to speeddate with Gari to gain insights into curating tech-driven art projects, participating in forward-thinking festivals, and creating interdisciplinary works that push artistic and technological boundaries.

This program is kindly supported by Pictoright Fonds and Stichting Ondernemersbelang Rotterdam.