From art school to artist: how Ietje secured an art grant
- Fine Art
Since graduating from the BEAR Fine Art bachelor’s programme, Ietje Meerman (26) has been working as an independent visual artist. She recently received a €20,000 art grant from the province of Groningen. It allows her to dive into the visual language of the northern Dutch landscape. “It’s a huge boost. I get the chance to develop my work, both artistically and professionally.”
From acting to visual art
At first, Ietje thought she wanted to be an actor. But during a theatre prep course, she realised: “I’m more of a maker than a performer. For me, the visual always comes first.” That insight led her to BEAR Fine Art in Arnhem, where she had the space to explore her fascinations. “I discovered that what I create is deeply connected to who I am as a person.”
'Over dierbaren en de aard van het beestje', 2023, graduation work, installation with mixed media. Photo by Koen Kievits.
Human–animal relationships as a common thread
The way people treat animals touches her deeply. “I see it as an urgent theme. That’s why I explore the relationship between humans and animals in my work. I use poetic narratives with fictional elements.” For her graduation installation, she brought these stories together in a collage-like setting - using text, drawings, video, and performance. “I asked myself: how deep can the connection between humans and animals go? And I hope my work helps us approach animals with more gentleness - and as beings more like ourselves.”
At first I hesitated, but in the end I decided to submit a proposal - very glad I did.”
Learning by making
The programme gave her both freedom and structure. “I felt at home in classes like Language & Image and artistic research. I also learned to work with feedback, not to change myself, but to better understand the meaning behind my choices.” One project that left a big impression was Reverse Archaeology. “We asked ourselves: which artworks will still matter in a thousand years? And we buried a time capsule in the garden of Museum Arnhem.”
Residencies and exhibitions
After graduation, Ietje joined residencies at ArToll Kunstlabor in Bedburg-Hau (Germany) and at LekArt in Culemborg. “Along the river Lek, I explored the connection between animals and the river landscape.” She showed her work at KunstKathedraal in Oirschot (Touchables & Untouchables) and at De Nieuwe Gang in Beuningen. Around that time, she also worked at the souvenir shop of Burgers’ Zoo.
A new phase
After moving to Groningen, she saw an open call for an art grant from Gemeente Groningen, Kunstpunt Groningen and Academie Minerva. “I wasn’t sure, but submitted a plan anyway.” To her surprise, she won. “The jury believed that, with the right guidance, I could take an important step in my development.” With the grant, she’s exploring the visual language of the northern Dutch landscape - using film, poetic texts and historical layers. “I want to mix archive material with fiction to create new mythologies about the landscape. Things like terpen and wierden will appear. And of course, animals play a role too.” Half of the budget is for her own fee. The rest goes to materials and guidance, including support from De Noordenaars.
'Vogelwerk' (2023), created in collaboration with Maartje Meerman / ‘Maar er moet iets meer man’.”
From student to independent artist
“By now, I’ve found my rhythm in my own practice. It’s intense, because you’re not just creating, you’re also planning, communicating, doing admin. But I’ve found a good balance.” Ietje is also considering a follow-up programme in art, film or literature. Meanwhile, she continues to work on projects with the artist collective Maar er moet iets meer man, which she founded with her mother. “Together, we created the exhibition Soortgelijk | Dergelijk | Diergelijk at Plaatsmaken in Arnhem.”
Tips for future students
“Use everything the programme offers: workshops, teachers, but especially your fellow students. You’ll learn the most from each other.” Got plans for after graduation? Ietje recommends applying for an art grant. “In my case, it was through an open call. I wasn’t sure at first, but decided to send in a proposal at the last minute, and I’m so glad I did.” Her advice: “Send in a proposal that really excites you. Show how it helps you grow as a maker. And take the leap, even if everything isn’t fully worked out yet. If you never try, you’ll never know.”
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