What is your connection to art and culture, and why CKE?
“Music has been the common thread throughout my life. It started with my father’s records, grew through the local youth centre where I helped organise festivals, and led to a career as a marketer and booker for Dutch acts. Later, I shared my knowledge at the Herman Brood Academy, where I worked for over twelve years and established a new study programme. At CKE, I’m back to basics. This is the place where it all begins for the people of Eindhoven. For me, CKE is an environment full of like-minded people, where connection, growth, and creativity are central.”
Do you also spend your free time on art and culture?
“Absolutely. Music remains my greatest passion: listening, discovering, and discussing it with others. I draw a lot of energy from the cultural dynamism around me, whether it’s a concert, an exhibition, or a spontaneous creative collaboration.”
When do you go home feeling good after a working day?
“When we, together with colleagues, have been able to make a tangible contribution to the cultural development of Eindhoven and the region. When an idea grows into a plan that brings people from all backgrounds together, helps it flourish, or inspires them. Those are the moments I know why I do this work.”