Organisation
MISSION
To use the universal language of light art in the public space to connect and enrich people.
VISION
We think that art must be made as accessible as possible, by bringing it to people. We believe that interventions in a familiar environment can lead to new energy and insights. By presenting light art in the public space we are able to impact a large audience: in the urban and in the digital world. This way we positively contribute to contemporary challenges of inhabitants and visitors of the city.
CORE VALUES
Creative
Programming light art in and on the water of Amsterdam demands permanent creativity and resourcefulness: artistically, technically, and organisationally.
Accessible
As a cultural festival in the public space, we are firmly rooted in society. We are here for everyone; we share and connect.
Entrepreneurial
We cherish our origins within Amsterdam's network of entrepreneurs. It's no coincidence that we take the lead in creating long-term and active collaborations with (cultural) institutions, businesses, and other organisations.
Responsible
Our social mission and presence in public space entail responsibilities that we embrace. Amsterdam Light Festival is there for Amsterdam.
Our philosophy
The core of the foundation's philosophy's is co-creation; we work together with many stakeholders in all facets of the festival and empower each other to bring about one, multivocal story.
Amsterdam Light Festival highly values creativity and technical quality. This is guaranteed by making strategic connections, on both social and operational domains, to the (artistic) expertise of specialists. In this way, we continuously inspire ourselves and we stay flexible to move along with society and to guarantee and strengthen our artistic congruence.
The team
A shared passion for light art connects the team that actively aims to have a meaningful impact on society year-round. The artistic management team – consisting of Frédérique ter Brugge (Director), Jin Choi (Lead Curator) and Niels Carels (Lead Storyteller). The rest of the team consists of Christopher Grabski (Research Curator), Joanne de Roest (Production & Operations), Monique Portegies (Project Leader Artworks), Gosse de Kort (Head of Creative Engineering), Annabel Thomas (Permanent Art), Ping Gao (Finance), Arsalan Alim (Finance), Gonny Groothuis (Office Manager), Elise van Heck (Development), Nicole de Klerk (Relationships Manager), Janette van der Valk (Partnership Marketeer), Nicoline Meijer (Marketeer), Femke van Heerdt (Education), Bonnie Kaldenbach (hr). Next to that, the artworks are built up and mantained by a fantastic technical production crew and we work together with many freelancers and interns.
Festival patroness
Succeeding Eberhard van der Laan, Femke Halsema has been patroness of Amsterdam Light Festival since 2020. She symbolically opened both Edition 7 and Edition 8. Femke Halsema: "Amsterdam Light Festival is very dear to me, because the festival does not only illuminate the city with art, it brings together residents and visitors".
Our office @ Capital C
Since April 2021 our office is located in Capital C at Weesperplein. This former diamond trading building now houses office, co-working spaces and meeting rooms, where creativity is the central focus. A place where we feel at home.
