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About Noorderlicht

Noorderlicht is a platform that, since 1990, has made visual culture accessible to everyone, using photography and lens-based media as tools for dialogue and reflection. With a critical and innovative approach, we explore the boundaries of visual culture and create space for conversations and encounters that inspire and encourage change. In addition to the biennial Noorderlicht Festival, Noorderlicht also organizes exhibitions, an education program, and runs its own publishing house and print lab.

Vision

Lens for Social Change

Noorderlicht is an inclusive place where ideas are exchanged about urgent themes such as the climate crisis, colonial legacies, and technological change. We encourage critical thinking and imagination and invite artists to explore the boundaries of visual culture. Noorderlicht is a meeting place that promotes dialogue and reflection between different groups in society. By using images as a starting point, we create lively exchange between artists and audiences, with space for depth and meaning.

As a commissioner, Noorderlicht offers opportunities to both established and emerging artists. We encourage innovation by commissioning projects that explore new technologies and media, such as video, AI, and VR. In this way, we contribute to the growth of visual culture. For Noorderlicht, art is valuable not only when it is beautiful but also when it has social relevance. That is why we offer a platform for art that reflects the diversity and complexity of human life.a 

Mission

Artistic innovation and socially engaged art

Noorderlicht aims to be a platform for engaged artists working with photography and lens-based media. Our mission is to make art accessible to people from different backgrounds and interests, and to contribute to public debate on important social and ecological issues. Through art, we want to create deeper understanding and greater involvement in current social challenges.

Noorderlicht recognizes the environmental impact of digital technology and works to minimize it. We focus on collaboration between humans, nature, and society, and in our projects we take into account the interests of all forms of life, both human and non-human. We integrate this vision into all our activities, with sustainability as a central principle.

We work closely with a wide range of partner institutions to reach broad audiences, and we follow the Fair Practice Code, the Governance Code Cultuur, and the Code Diversiteit & Inclusie. Our educational program addresses all levels of education and encourages critical thinking and collaboration. Noorderlicht is committed to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable future in which new audiences are welcomed without forgetting the current ones.

People

Noorderlicht works as a collective, where all team members contribute to both the artistic and organizational direction. This way of working encourages open communication and shared responsibility. It allows ideas and initiatives to grow from all levels of the organization. The focus on collectivity increases engagement and motivation, and leads to more innovative programs that respond better to the needs of artists, audiences, and communities. All of this reflects Noorderlicht’s core values: accessibility, connection, visibility, and transparency.

office

Monika Balukevičiūtė

office

Monika Balukevičiūtė is responsible for office administration and supports the Printlab at Noorderlicht. Monika holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Minerva Art Academy in Groningen and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from HDK-Valand in Gothenburg. Her work, which explores the relationship between imagery and sensory perception, has been exhibited internationally. With her broad experience in art and production, she is a versatile asset to our team.

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technology

Igor Bobeldijk

technology

With a background in computer science, artificial intelligence and fine art, Igor takes charge of the technology of our exhibitions.

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marketing & pr

Esther Bolt

marketing & pr

Esther Bolt is head of PR and communications, responsible for shaping and implementing Noorderlicht's communication strategy. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master's in Literary Studies, she developed as a journalist, (chief) editor, and marketing coordinator in the cultural sector. With her love for reading, writing, and storytelling, Esther ensures that Noorderlicht’s exhibitions, events, and projects get the attention they deserve, playing a crucial role in increasing Noorderlicht's visibility.

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education

Mirjam Dijkema

education

Mirjam develops and supervises our educational programmes. She is also a researcher and teaches subjects such as illustration, animation and art history. 

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director

Roosje Klap

director

Roosje Klap is the general director of Noorderlicht. In her role, Roosje further develops the organization into a space where artistic experimentation and social engagement go hand in hand. She aims to create a place for dialogue and renewal, where tradition and innovation come together to make a societal impact with lens-based visual culture. In 2021, Roosje and her collective ARK created the interactive digital installation "LAWKI" for the Noorderlicht Biennale "A Makeable Mind," which won the Golden Calf for Best Digital Cultural Production in 2022.

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curator

Wim Melis

curator

Wim Melis, after studying astronomy at the University of Groningen, has played an important role in shaping Noorderlicht's exhibitions and programs from the very beginning, with a keen eye for balancing artistic expression and organizational efficiency. His involvement as chief curator at Noorderlicht contributes to the creation of diverse and content-rich exhibitions, where art and social themes come together meaningfully.

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social media

Cashmyra Rozendaal

social media

Cashmyra is a creative content producer at Noorderlicht and is responsible for managing online communications. With her background in Communication and Multimedia Design, she truly thrives in this role. In addition to her work at Noorderlicht, she is also active as a musician under her own name.

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printlab

Hanne van der Velde

printlab

Hanne van der Velde is head of the Print Lab at Noorderlicht. He graduated from the Fotoacademie with a specialization in documentary photography and has recently also focused on film. In his role at Noorderlicht, Hanne combines his artistic vision with technical expertise, contributing to the high quality and innovation of our print productions. His creative input ensures visual excellence in the productions that Noorderlicht delivers.

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finance

Menno de Vries

finance

Menno de Vries supports Noorderlicht's financial administration through his business Ontspanje. With his precision and dedication, he ensures that financial and administrative processes run smoothly, keeping the financial records up-to-date and providing an accurate and complete overview."

 

guest curator

Rosa Wevers

guest curator

Rosa Wevers is a senior researcher of Art & Technology at the Knowledge Center for Art and Society (Hanze University of Applied Sciences). She investigates the interactions between art, technology, and society. She obtained her Ph.D. from Utrecht University on the theme of surveillance in art exhibitions and curated the 'Face Value' expo for IMPAKT in 2021. Rosa works as a co-curator at Noorderlicht on 'Pixel Perceptions' and 'Machine Entanglements,' where she connects her research with the art practice.

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production

Ike de Zeeuw

production

Ike de Zeeuw is head of Productions at Noorderlicht, where he uses his broad experience as a musician, organizer, writer, and builder to ensure events and exhibitions run smoothly. With a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Culture, and Media from the University of Groningen, Ike brings together his creative talents with strong organizational skills, making him an indispensable asset to the team.

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Board

president

Nicolette Bartelink

president

board member

Gea Boerma

board member

board member

Paulien Dresscher

board member

board member

Els Drummen

board member

treasurer

Saskia de Graaf

treasurer

board member

Jan Jaap Knol

board member

board member

Marita Schreur

board member

board member

Merijn Vos

board member

Founder Noorderlicht

founder

Ton Broekhuis

founder

Support

We extend gratitude to the following organizations for their financial support.

  • Beringer Hazewinkel

  • BPD Cultuurfonds

  • Cultuurfonds

  • Emmaplein Foundation

  • Fonds21

  • Gemeente Groningen

  • Gemeente Leeuwarden

  • Kamminga Scholtenfonds

  • Mondriaan Fonds

  • Pictoright

  • Provincies Drenthe, Friesland en Groningen

  • Stimuleringsfonds voor Creative Industrie

  • VSB Fonds

  • Stichting Zabawas

Network for Art and Culture Groningen

The Network for Art and Culture Groningen is a collaborative partnership of 16 leading cultural institutions in the city and province of Groningen. The partners work closely together across different disciplines to build a strong, resilient, and visible cultural sector throughout the region.

The Network consists of: Club Guy en Roni, De Noorderlingen, Eurosonic Noorderslag, Grand Theatre, Groninger Museum, Het Houten Huis, Jonge Harten, Kunstpunt Groningen, NITE, NNO, Noorderlicht, Noorderzon, Noordstaat, Noordwoord, Simplon, and VERA.