Academy of Music alumni receive New Makers grants from Fonds Podiumkunsten

Singer-songwriter Silke Veld and Dutch-language pop band Droom Dit have been awarded support through the Fonds Podiumkunsten New Makers programme, giving them the opportunity to take the next step in their artistic and professional development. For ArtEZ Academy of Music, these grants underline the importance of supporting emerging talent beyond graduation. Education, artists and professional partners all have an important part to play in making that possible.

Droom Dit

Nieuwe Makers grant

The New Makers grant supports development programmes for emerging artists in the professional performing arts. Over a period of up to two years, artists create several productions with artistic and professional guidance.

Applications are submitted by producers, venues or festivals in collaboration with an artist or artists’ collective.

Metropool | Poppodia van Twente has received a grant for singer-songwriter and storyteller Silke Veld, an alum of ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede. Booster Festival has received a grant for Dutch-language experimental pop band Droom Dit. Both development programmes will run into 2028.

‘For me, talent development isn’t about predicting success, but about creating the conditions for growth. Especially at a stage when it’s not yet clear what something might become, we at ArtEZ Academy of Music need to work with our partners to give artists the time, space and trust they need. By the time everyone sees the result, the most important work has often already been done.’

Rob Kramer, director of ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede

Silke Veld

The committee rates both collaborations very highly. In Silke’s case, it highlights Metropool’s experience in talent development, the support she previously received through Metro’s Finest, and the strong network around Muziekhub Oost, Poppunt Overijssel, the Province of Overijssel and ArtEZ Academy of Music.

Droom Dit

Droom Dit aims to establish a stronger presence in the Benelux alternative pop scene and contribute to a thriving environment for artists in the eastern Netherlands. Booster Festival and Droom Dit share the ambition to strengthen the pop music ecosystem in the region, with BRUT providing the band with artistic and professional guidance.

Development continues beyond graduation

For ArtEZ Academy of Music, these grants show how the development of music professionals continues beyond graduation. Students and alumni move between education and professional practice, as part of a network of venues, festivals, production houses, talent development organisations, funds and other partners. Within this network, ArtEZ Academy of Music is a place for education, connection and a sense of belonging.

Long-term collaboration creates opportunities for development, professional growth and progression. Muziekhub Oost is an important example of this.

ArtEZ Academy of Music operates as one academy across Arnhem, Enschede and Zwolle. Each location has its own distinct profile and strong local and regional connections to the cultural and music scene around it.