Leeuwarden
Netherlands
Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands.
Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland in the north of the Netherlands.
The municipality has a population of 120,000+. Sometimes called small Amsterdam because of the canals that run through the city and the lovely narrow streets. But with no drug related tourism! Friesland is a mainly rural area, lots of green and water, with concentrated small businesses and industry.
The city and the province of Friesland were capital of culture of Europe in 2018.
The region has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century and was granted city privileges in 1435. It is the main economic hub of Friesland. Leeuwarden is a former royal residence and has a historic city centre with many historically relevant buildings.
The Frisian people are friendly, open and hospitable, though often seen by the rest of the Netherlands as a bit stiff and stubborn. But you just need to get to know them! Once you do you’ve made friends for life…
ECOC
The Leeuwarden – Friesland 2018 foundation, the same organization that organised the ECoC, is organising a triennial art and cultural event named Arcadia.
Through our cultural triennial program, we build an open, inclusive space, using mienskip, active community involvement, as our core approach, just as we did in 2018. Working alongside professional artists from around the world, we invite people to imagine a better future together.
In 2022, we created a 100-day cultural program with projects like Bosk, the moving forest powered by volunteers. In 2025, we continue with Bouwurk, a sustainable gathering space built by local hands and ideas, uniting cooperatives, artists, entrepreneurs, and communities. Arcadia is also paving the way for a 2028 youth-focused edition.
Our program tackles the big questions of our time: how to shape the best possible world for ourselves and future generations. The rural landscape of Fryslân is our inspiration, our focus, and our starting point.
Who represents the city
Worked on the artistic team for the cultural capital Leeuwarden – Friesland 2018. Has a large track record in cultural organisations, mainly focusing on the business side with a more than healthy interest in the artistic, with a specialism in community art, or ‘mienskip’, as we call it in Friesland. Active involvement of the mienskip (audience participation) is common ground in the projects she ran as a cultural entrepreneur. But also interested in organising high quality events and exhibitions. Started her career in organising a metal festival that hosted the biggest names in the metal scene. Making a change by using culture and art (even small changes on the longer term) is always a motivator.
Contact
LF2028 / Arcadia Snekertrekweg 1 8912 AA Leeuwarden
info@lf2028.eu
www.lf2028.eu
00 31 58 303 0482
