The Supervisory Board of the Amsterdam University of the Arts is pleased to welcome Jet Bussemaker as its new Chair. As of 1 April, she will take over the role from Edwin van Huis, who will step down at the end of his second term. With Jet Bussemaker, the Supervisory Board gains a highly experienced administrator and supervisor in its ranks.

Jet Bussemaker is a familiar face in the field of education and culture. From 2012 to 2017 she served as Minister of Education, Culture and Science for the Labour Party (PvdA) in the second Rutte cabinet. Before becoming minister, she was Rector of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. She is currently Chair of the Council for Public Health and Society. In addition, she is Professor of Science, Policy and Societal Impact at Leiden University Medical Centre.

Jet Bussemaker also chairs the independent external committee currently commissioned by the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences to conduct an exploratory study into arts education. The aim of this study is to assess the existing educational provision against current and anticipated societal developments—particularly within the professional field—in order to establish a future oriented agenda for arts education. Jet Bussemaker will complete this process before taking up her position on the AHK Supervisory Board.

Edwin van Huis, the current Chair of the Supervisory Board, responds to the appointment of his successor: “We are delighted that Jet Bussemaker will become Chair of the AHK Supervisory Board. She has an outstanding track record as an administrator and supervisor, and she has a deep commitment to culture, education and the city of Amsterdam.”