Hbo Festival – For the Future of the Netherlands
On 9 May, the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences will host a festive and content-rich festival for universities of applied sciences, students, politicians, public and private sector employers, and social organisations. Around one hundred projects will showcase how universities of applied sciences contribute to shaping the future of the Netherlands — from AI to inclusion, from healthcare to the arts. Dr. John Johnston, Head of the international Master Artist Educator (iMAE) programme at ArtEZ and, since 2024, UNESCO Chair in Issues Based Arts Education, will deliver a keynote about Issues Based Arts Education.
Free admission
The hbo festival marks the 50th anniversary of the Association of Universities of Applied Sciences, which currently unites 36 universities of applied sciences across the country. Through presentations, demonstrations, and performances, universities show how practice-based education and research contribute to societal challenges.
Why you should attend
The festival is all about dialogue and connection.
Universities, students, politicians, employers and social organisations come together.
Networking, sharing knowledge and exchanging ideas — everything that makes the HBO sector unique — will be celebrated here:
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A unique opportunity to discover what is happening within the HBO sector, and to explore its future role.
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Innovative projects across fields such as technology, healthcare, nutrition, digitalisation, and the arts.
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Meetings and exchanges with students and colleagues from across the country — a true source of inspiration.
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Plenty of space to gather ideas for your own work or studies.
Keynote by John Johnston
ArtEZ is proudly represented by Dr. John Johnston, Head of iMAE and since 2024 UNESCO Chair in Issues Based Arts Education.
In his keynote, Johnston shares how Issues Based Arts Education creates space for genuine dialogue, engagement, and impact. His work connects students, teachers and partners across the Netherlands, Ireland and Morocco — offering an international and hopeful perspective on the future of arts education.
More about the appointment of John Johnston as UNESCO Chair in Issues Based Arts Education bij ArtEZ
Practical information
Location: NBC Congrescentrum, Nieuwegein
Date: Friday 9 May 2025, from 10:00 to 16:00
Registration: Free admission – registration required via www.hbofestival.nl