Events• - •Arnhem
Agenda
Community of Practice: Entrepreneurship in Higher Arts Education
12:30 tot 18:00
How can we prepare arts students for a professional practice in which working across sectors is becoming increasingly important? On Thursday 26 November 2026, the national Community of Practice for Entrepreneurship in Higher Arts Education (KUO CoP) will come together for its second edition, hosted by ArtEZ in Arnhem.
The first national KUO CoP gathering took place at the end of 2024. This year, we are continuing the conversation. The second edition is organised by the Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK), the Gerrit Rietveld Academie, the Sandberg Instituut and ArtEZ University of the Arts.
This year’s theme is ‘Collaborating Across Domains’. Inspired by the recommendations in the ACT! report, we will explore how working with other sectors can help prepare students for their future professional practice – one in which entrepreneurship, collaboration and societal impact are playing an increasingly important role.
The afternoon will offer plenty of opportunities to exchange experiences and ideas, share examples from practice and connect with colleagues from across higher arts education.
Panel discussion
Led by Jon Heemsbergen, our moderator and strategic advisor who supports cultural and social organisations with change and development processes, we will explore this theme together. One of the ways we will do this is through a panel discussion featuring:
- Arlette Kerkhof: Head of the Master Interior Architecture programme and Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Practices Programme Developer at HKU.
- Thijs van Exel: Lead Practices and Programme Developer at PONT (De Publieke Ontwerppraktijk).
- Mara Joustra: Head of Comic Design, Animation Design and the Master Illustration Based Narrative programme at ArtEZ.
Workshops
KUO CoP is a community by and for higher arts education. Colleagues from all arts universities and academies across the Netherlands are warmly invited to participate. The institutions involved contribute to the programme and encourage their staff to attend.
Thanks in part to their contributions, we have a varied selection of workshops lined up. Shortly before KUO CoP, you will have the opportunity to indicate which workshop you would prefer to attend. Here is a preview of four of them:
1. How can you help students explore the wider professional field?
Marjan Otter | Amsterdam University of the Arts (AHK)
At the Reinwardt Academy, students undertake internships outside the heritage sector, for example with the police or professional football clubs. What do these experiences offer, and what does it take to make such collaborations possible? Explore how you can encourage students to gain experience beyond their own discipline and leave with practical ideas for making this possible within your teaching.
2. Learning by doing
Jitske Hirs, Erwin Slegers and Vere van Hal | HKU and Gerrit Rietveld Academie
Working with partners outside the academy provides students and alumni with valuable practical experience. Through real-life examples, lessons learned and ideas for future collaborations beyond the arts sector, you will exchange experiences and explore new possibilities together.
3. Creative and circular entrepreneurship: from imagination to economic opportunity
Danielle Twardy | Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
How can you turn a creative and circular idea into an entrepreneurial opportunity? In this interactive workshop, you will work on a concrete challenge and explore how creative, social and ecological value can be combined with business opportunities and revenue models. You will consider how to apply this approach in your own teaching, helping students recognise economic opportunities and build connections with other sectors.
4. Working across disciplines starts with you
Debora Heijne | Fontys Academy of the Arts
What does it take to collaborate across disciplines and sectors? Drawing on practical examples and Art Dialogue Methods, participants will explore the qualities students need and how they can build connections with other fields through their own professional practice. Debora will share examples from the Creative Entrepreneurship elective for third-year students at Fontys Academy of the Arts.
Programme and registration
We do recommend registering as soon as possible, as there is room for a maximum of 70 participants. You can register here.
Practical information
Date: Thursday 26 November 2026
Time: 12:30–18:00
Location: ArtEZ Library, Utrechtsestraat 85, Arnhem
The venue is approximately a five-minute walk from Arnhem Central Station.
