On behalf of our Supervisory Board, we proudly announce that Lieselot Van Damme has been appointed as the director-manager of Kunstpunt Groningen. Van Damme has extensive experience in the visual arts sector and has a deep appreciation for the cultural field. She will commence her new role starting from April 15. She succeeds Paula Lambeck, who has been temporarily replaced by Arno van Roosmalen since December.
After graduating from Academie Minerva, Van Damme embarked on a diverse career path in the cultural sector, with a focus on connection and talent development. She served as the artistic director at the art initiative VHDG and taught at NHL Stenden and Academie Minerva, where she concentrated on enhancing the professionalism of artists. As a freelancer, she was involved in various projects, including the development of public art. In Groningen, she recently participated in Layla May Arthur's artwork in the Selwerd neighborhood. Since 2020, Lieselot has been a strategic cultural connector at the Province of Fryslân, working on cultural policy, networks (including We The North), and bridging the cultural field with the province.
In the upcoming period, I will focus on establishing strong connections with the sector. I want to hear the thoughts of artists, the audience, partners, municipalities, and the province, and identify areas where Kunstpunt can provide support.
Her emphasis on connection aligns seamlessly with Kunstpunt, which positions itself as the central hub for visual arts in Groningen. Van Damme states, "I am excited to join Kunstpunt. In the upcoming period, I will focus on establishing strong connections with the sector. I want to hear the thoughts of artists, the audience, partners, municipalities, and the province, and identify areas where Kunstpunt can provide support. Additionally, I will work on defining the role of Kunstpunt as a cultural pillar for visual arts. Given the dynamics in the field and the recent advice from the Council for Culture, I believe Kunstpunt can make a valuable contribution from its stimulating and representative role to fortify the position of the visual arts. I look forward to meeting everyone, and I am grateful to Paula and Arno for leaving behind such a wonderful organization."
Jan Cooijmans, the chairman of the Supervisory Board, expresses his delight at Van Damme's arrival: "With her connecting qualities and diverse and extensive experience, Lieselot can view the visual arts sector from various perspectives and respond effectively to its needs. As a result, she can further expand and develop Kunstpunt's stimulating role in the visual arts."