Janko Bartelink

"To be human is to live with both the curse and the blessing of self-awareness", is how Janko views the human condition. For him, life and the world are a constant source of wonder and disillusionment, often simultaneously. In this space, every individual has lifelong lessons to learn about themselves and life itself. Janko's work is rooted in the belief that learning—within this context of wonder and disillusionment—is an optimistic act that offers hope for the future and that educational innovation is the key to positive societal change. His vision of education goes beyond traditional models: he advocates for a system that centers on personal growth and societal impact, preparing young people for a rapidly changing world and lifelong learning. He believes this can be achieved through a combination of education, technology, and self-development.

Janko’s expertise in educational innovation is evident in his various roles. He is a lecturer at Saxion University of Applied Sciences and a member of Team XL of the Art Education as Critical Tactics professorship at ArtEZ. In addition to his academic work, Janko served as the director of Studio Z, an educational design agency, for 15 years. With Studio Z, he focused on projects with a social mission, collaborating with schools, museums, and other cultural institutions to empower young people through creativity and inspiring education.

Janko's commitment to educational innovation is driven by several core principles:

●        Integrity: he believes in taking responsibility for oneself and the world, striving to make a positive impact with every project.

●        Curiosity: a lifelong learner, he constantly seeks new insights and possibilities.

●        Creativity: for him, creativity is not a luxury but a fundamental force driving innovation and transformation.

●        Ambition: he aims to create value that genuinely makes the world a better place.

●        Authenticity: he believes that truly meaningful impact is only possible when you remain true to yourself.

Janko’s artistic practice is also deeply intertwined with his vision of education. He is a multimedia artist, musician, and painter who explores the boundaries of personal perception and reflects on the human condition. Creativity, curiosity, and the act of making are ongoing drivers for him to explore, learn, create, and connect—thereby giving meaning to life and the world.