Lieselot Van Damme started her new role as director at Kunstpunt Groningen last week. Let us introduce her to you.
Who are you?
My name is Lieselot Van Damme, 37 years old, and I've been living in Grijpskerk for a year with my husband Xander and my 10-month-old son Lauri. I was born and raised in Belgium, Ghent, and have been living happily in Groningen since I was 14.
Can you tell us more about your background?
I graduated from Academie Minerva in Autonomous Visual Arts in 2012. After graduating, I worked as an artist for a while, but soon I started curating exhibitions. In 2013, I joined Voorheen de Gemeente (VHDG), an art initiative in Leeuwarden. It was an amazing time; we were a passionate group of people and went all out. We curated exhibitions nationally and internationally, developed an Artist in Residence in an old mobile shop, programmed for festivals including Welcome to the Village, had an art project on a roundabout, organized one-night exhibitions with lectures, and established the exhibition space H47.
Eventually, I wanted something different. In 2020 - two weeks before COVID-19 - I started working for the government as a strategic cultural connector at the Province of Fryslân. It was a valuable experience. I gained a broader perspective on the cultural sector there and gained experience in designing, reading, and evaluating subsidies, as well as policymaking, advising policymakers, and writing.
Additionally, I occasionally took on projects for, among others, the project bureau of Academie Minerva. In 2023, I collaborated with artist Layla May Arthur to create an artwork for the student flats in Selwerd. But you can't shake off your true passion. Ultimately, I wanted to return to the arts because that love has always remained.
Why Kunstpunt?
Kunstpunt is the hub for visual arts, and this organization brings together many of my passions. These include art in public spaces, artist development, art lending, art education, and advocating for the arts. It's in my nature to see connections everywhere, to connect people, and to reflect: are we doing the right things? A broad organization has the advantage of being able to create a wide range of offerings for diverse audiences. I always keep in mind: how can we bring art to the people, provide artists with a platform, and ensure a thriving art scene?
What have you noticed in your first week at Kunstpunt?
I already knew that there was a lot of expertise in the organization, and that has been confirmed once again. The people here work with a lot of knowledge and skill, and above all, with a passion for what they do, which is great to work with.
Additionally, I find myself in the midst of the discussion surrounding the Geheugenpaviljoen (Memory Pavilion). Art in public spaces evokes strong emotions because it is in the immediate living environment. The Geheugenpaviljoen is a complex issue that requires great care; it's a long-standing process with both proponents and opponents, and a discussion that resonates both with residents and politicians. Besides all the introductory meetings, this, along with the housing of Kunstpunt and the future of the Art Rental, is one of the major issues I am currently immersing myself in.
What will you focus on in the coming time?
In and around the summer, I want to meet as many people as possible to hear what is happening in the arts field. Artists and art institutions can send an email, and then we can schedule a meeting.
Are you an artist or working at an art institution and want to meet Lieselot? Send an email to mariekeheegstra@kunstpuntgroningen.nl.