Leeuwarden, Arcadia 2028

Arcadia has appointed Muriël Besemer as the Artistic Director of Arcadia 2028. Besemer is a theatre maker, educator and cultural programmer who has worked with young people for more than thirty years. In the coming years, she will work alongside the Arcadia team to develop the programme for Arcadia 2028, in which young people will play a central role.

Immie Jonkman, CEO of Arcadia, says: ” We are very pleased to welcome Muriël to the team. She brings a wealth of experience in working with young people. With her broad perspective, extensive network and dedication, I am confident that together we can create an inspiring programme for Arcadia 2028.”

Muriël first became acquainted with Arcadia last summer when she presented her performance This is the Situation at Bouwurk, Arcadia’s participatory cultural landmark in Leeuwarden.

About Muriël Besemer
Muriël Besemer graduated as a theatre educator from the Constantijn Huygens University of the Arts in Kampen, the Netherlands. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively in youth and young people’s theatre as an educator, director and programmer.
Over the past ten years, she has served as Head of Education and Participation at both The National Theatre of the Netherlands and International Theatre Amsterdam. Alongside her work within theatres and performing arts organisations, Muriël teaches in higher and vocational arts education and works as a freelance creator on professional theatre productions, socially engaged arts projects and educational programmes.

About Arcadia
Arcadia is the legacy organisation of Leeuwarden-Fryslân 2018, European Capital of Culture. Every three years, Arcadia collaborates with numerous partners to organise a cultural triennial across Fryslân, in the north of the Netherlands.The first edition took place in the summer of 2022. The second edition ran from 17 May to 24 August 2025. The third edition will take place in 2028. For more information and the latest programme updates, visit arcadia.

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