Dago Houben at the helm of Amsterdam Light Festival
As of July 1st, 2025, Dago Houben takes office as executive director of Amsterdam Light Festival. The festival, which presents light art in the public space to enlighten, connect and enrich people, gains an experienced director with an impressive track record in the cultural field and festival sector.
The Board of Trustees of Amsterdam Light Festival appoints Houben to be in charge of the festival and its supporting organisation. Houben has extensive experience with festivals and he was executive director of the European music event ESNS (Eurosonic Noorderslag). Additionally, he has been involved with multidisciplinary music festival Into The Great Wide Open for many years. Before that, he was co-responsible for the development and organisation of theater festival De Parade and he ran the Vondelpark Open air theater. Houbens resume shows extensive experience and a strong passion for the arts and events in particular. Houben succeeds Frédérique ter Brugge, who stepped down in 2024, after 8 years of dedicated service.
Dago Houben about his appointment: "Amsterdam Light Festival has impressed me ever since its establishment; as a resident of the city, as well as a festival professional. It is admirable how this festival has claimed its space in the historical city centre and in the hearts of Amsterdammers alike. It shows great dedication and craftmanship of the team. I look forward to continue building the international appearance and social impact of the festival, together with them."
The Board of Trustees of the foundation expresses their confidence in the new appointee: "We are very happy with Dago! Not only is he an experienced professional, he is a cordial human being and captain of the team, too. We have faith that he will strengthen the internationally leading position of the festival and deepen the connection we have with residents of the city. The board is delighted to shape the future of Amsterdam Light Festival together with him.", says Felix Guttmann.
The preparations of the fourteenth edition of Amsterdam Light Festival are in full swing. With the theme Legacy, national and international artists explore what it is that we leave behind for the world of tomorrow. The city will be the canvas for a diverse range of light artworks once again: from intimate interventions, to monumental installations, with world premieres, to established names. Together they form a route that shares stories and provides new perspectives to visitors.
The festival is organised by the Amsterdam Light Festival Foundation. This is a non-profit cultural foundation. The event is freely accessible and is made possible by a collaboration of i.a. the City of Amsterdam, a range of cultural funds, and a voluntary contribution of supporting (cruise) companies.