De Ateliers is pleased to announce some important changes in our organisation.
After 23 years, director Dominic van den Boogerd deems the time has come to pass on his duties. De Ateliers is grateful to Van den Boogerd for his great commitment. During his directorate, the number of applications has increased considerably, the team of tutors and guest tutors has become younger and more diverse, and new groups of stakeholders have committed themselves to the institution. With an acclaimed program of artist talks and exhibitions, he has enhanced the visibility of De Ateliers. Van den Boogerd will remain active for De Ateliers as a tutor and researcher.
Dominic van den Boogerd: ‘With great pride I look back upon productive and exciting years, in which we have mentored young and beginning artists to a successful, international practice. Thomas Houseago, Matthew Monahan, Keren Cytter, Saskia Noor van Imhoff, Koenraad Dedobbeleer, Natasja Kensmil, Sarah van der Heide, Raphaela Vogel, David Jablonowski, Dineo Seshee Bopape: all of them started their working period at De Ateliers as unknown students and are now considered to the forerunners of their generation.’
From January 1st, 2019, the new director will be Xander Karskens. Of all candidates the Board has spoken to, he is without doubt the best qualified and most competent. He will be responsible for the artistic as well as the financial policies. With Karskens, the Board of De Ateliers has appointed an engaging director with a solid track record in the cultural sector and a large international network in the contemporary arts. Xander Karskens was Curator Contemporary Art at the Frans Hals Museum|De Hallen in Haarlem and Artistic Director of the Cobra Museum in Amstelveen. He has collaborated with many Dutch and international artists, including Christian Friedrich, Erik van Lieshout, Cécile B. Evans, Evelyn Taocheng Wang, Nathaniel Mellors, Erkka Nissinen, Jennifer Tee and Maaike Schoorel. In 2017, Karskens was the curator of the Finish Pavilion at the Venice Biennial.
Xander Karskens: ‘It is an honour and a great pleasure to work for the most wayward institute for talent development within the Netherlands. I’m looking forward to collaborate with all involved, especially the artists, to sharpen the profile of De Ateliers as a leading artist institute in the Netherlands as well as abroad.’
Recently, Eveline Schuurhof has been appointed Head of Operations. Previously, she was working for De Ateliers as Office Manager. She has taken over the duties of Elly Reurslag, who recently retired after 43 years of service.
De Ateliers is convinced that these renewals have reinforced the organisation to harness it for future challenges. Chairman Rijkman Groenink: ‘Talent development of young artists on the highest possible level is and will remain our mission. Xander Karskens brings fresh energy and new input in order to fulfill this important task in the years to come.’