Christa on heritage: 'I Want Everyone to Feel: This Is a Little Bit Mine Too'

Christa is studying for a Master’s in Arts Education at ArtEZ, while also working as an arts and heritage educator at Paleis Het Loo. There, she develops programmes for visitors. 'Especially for families and children, but actually, I secretly make these things for everyone. It makes me jump for joy when I see young adults or adults walking around with one of my treasure hunts. Because that’s really my idea: everyone can learn something from this. It should be simple, but not childish.'

How an insect trail tells a story about heritage

One of her best-known projects is the insect trail at Paleis Het Loo. 'It actually started out as a very practical idea. The walk from the entrance to the palace was quite long for children. With little legs, it’s a fair distance. So I came up with a route where children jump, hop and balance like different insects along the way.'

But there is more behind the game. 'The gardens at Paleis Het Loo are managed organically, without pesticides. And insects help maintain the balance there. I try to communicate that story through play. There is an information sign along the trail, and a QR code takes visitors to a more in-depth story by one of the curators. So suddenly, a simple game has several layers.'

This playful approach runs like a common thread through everything she creates. 'During the annual Prince and Princess Days, I organise games, theatre and activities for thousands of visitors. Each game has a connection to history, art or heritage. Sometimes visitors notice that straight away, and sometimes only much later. Maybe years from now, a child will suddenly think: that’s why I had to walk through that garden like an insect.'

'What works for children actually works for everyone'

During the Master's in Arts Education, Christa increasingly discovered where her own strengths lie: making complex subjects accessible. Intuitive, sensory and without relying on text. 'Museums are often very text-heavy, but one in four adults in the Netherlands has low literacy. That can quickly create a sense of distance. I believe you can also create a connection without using complicated texts.'

This way of thinking kept coming back in her projects during the master's programme. For example, she explored how a museum can feel more personal to visitors. 'I imagined a kind of "room of requirements". It's a space that gives you exactly what you need. Maybe that's peace and quiet, maybe comfort, but it could also be a sense of recognition. Instead of lengthy explanations, I worked with scent, sound and light, because you don't always have to read something first to be moved by it.'

In another project, she explored with fellow students how food can bring people together. 'We cooked for each other, ate together and used dishes as a starting point for conversations about culture, family and memories. I made kombucha because my Russian mother used to make it all the time. During that research, I suddenly realised how many generations come together in it: my mother, my grandmother and my daughter. Sometimes a project starts with a feeling or a sense of curiosity, and only along the way do you discover why something actually moves you so deeply.'

Why heritage is ultimately about people, according to Christa

For Christa, heritage is ultimately about more than just history. 'It’s about belonging somewhere. Heritage is partly what shapes your identity. Through heritage, you can feel: I belong here. I want everyone to experience that feeling, including people who might not normally be inclined to visit a museum.'

'That’s why I’m always looking for ways to make heritage more accessible. Not just literally, but emotionally as well. One of the most meaningful reactions I received was at an event where a sign language interpreter was present. A mother told me that, because of the interpreter, she was finally able to enjoy the programme herself, because she didn’t have to constantly interpret for her deaf daughter. I found that so special. That’s when you see that inclusivity doesn’t just benefit one person, but can also give the people around them a sense of relief.'

She also brings this idea into her graduation research. 'In it, I’m exploring how people without an obvious connection to heritage experience it, and how a place like Paleis Het Loo can feel more accessible and welcoming. Dutch people often find it easy to walk into a museum. As if it’s partly theirs.'

'The master’s has strengthened my own signature'

When Christa started the master’s programme, she mainly wanted to deepen her professional practice. 'Now, it feels like everything is coming together. During this programme, I’ve really discovered what my own style is. It’s all about inclusivity, sensory experiences, accessibility and playfulness. Those elements were always there, but now I can support them much better with theory and research.'

'What I enjoy most about the master’s is that I’m constantly challenged to take my own ideas further. I enjoy every class. You’re surrounded by people who share the same interests and who genuinely value them. And the lecturers are always saying: read this, or take a look at that. It keeps you growing.'

'Ultimately, I don’t just want my work to convey information; I want people to feel something. I want a museum to feel approachable rather than distant, something that draws people in. I want everyone to think: this is a little bit mine too.'