The Executive Board of the Amsterdam University of the Arts will appoint Oeds Westerhof as the new director of the Academy of Theatre and Dance from 15 August next. Oeds Westerhof has built an impressive track record in the cultural sector as director, board member and advisor of a wide range of arts institutions. At the Academy of Theatre and Dance, he succeeds Mechtild van den Hombergh, who has led the academy as interim director for the past two years.

Oeds Westerhof knows the Dutch cultural sector well. His experience ranges from theatre, film and visual arts to art education, heritage and cultural participation. As (interim) director, he worked, among many others, for theatre festival Oerol, film house and debate centre LUX Nijmegen, Pakhuis de Zwijger, Cool Theater Heerhugowaard, LKCA and both the Cultural Participation Fund and the Performing Arts Fund. He was board member of the organisation that shaped Leeuwarden Cultural Capital of Europe 2018 and advisor for Kulturmetropole Hannover and Nationaal Park Nieuwe Stijl Friesland, among others. He is familiar with higher education as well: he previously worked at the University of Groningen and NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. He is currently managing director of Cultuurkwartier Sneek and director of Common Ground - Common Sense, a network for interim, consultancy and mediation.

Annet Lekkerkerker, president of the AHK Executive Board, on the appointment of Oeds Westerhof: ‘We are delighted to have found in Oeds Westerhof a director who combines a profound love for art, art education, and education with extensive management experience in the cultural sector. With his proven leadership qualities, experience in transition management and great affinity with young artists, we believe he is the right person to further shape a future-proof Academy of Theatre and Dance. We are convinced that he will further strengthen mutual cooperation and play a connecting role within the Academy and the AHK, with a keen eye for the interests of students and staff. We look forward to working together.’

Commenting on his appointment, Oeds Westerhof says: ‘The Academy of Theatre and Dance is an important international institution for the Dutch cultural system and the city of Amsterdam. Experts and knowledge of tradition and innovation are at the service of young people there in their development into artistic innovators, autonomous artists and craftsmen. To serve as director here is a great honour for me. I thank the organisation and the board for their trust.’