Kristel Baele joins International Advisory Board of Rotterdam municipality

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Culture Council president Kristel Baele has joined the International Advisory Board (IABx) 2025 of the Municipality of Rotterdam. Made up of international experts in urban development, culture and governance, this advisory board advises the city on long-term issues affecting a resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban future. In the coming months, the board will consider Rotterdam's cultural transition.

Cultural Transition Rotterdam
With the trajectory Cultural Transition Rotterdam the municipality is working on a cultural ecosystem that can be future-proofed. Led by quartermaster Drs Heleen Ririassa MBA, an advisory report is being prepared for a more transparent, resilient and effective cultural policy. She is doing this in cooperation with makers, institutions and other stakeholders.

From 2 to 5 July 2025, the International Advisory Board will meet in Rotterdam. During these days, the board will visit various representatives from the cultural sector and other social domains, such as: makers, initiators of projects in neighbourhoods, directors of institutions. Seven themes will be central, including innovative financing, the new advisory model, space for makers, cross-domain cooperation and the position of culture within urban policy.

Appointment
Kristel Baele's appointment matches her experience at the intersection of governance, education and social transitions. As president of the Council for Culture, she is intensely concerned with the role of culture in a changing society. About her involvement with IABx, she said:

"The questions that Rotterdam is facing now touch on broader issues that many cities face: how do we build an honest cultural ecosystem in which there is room for innovation, connection and broad involvement? I look forward to contributing to this international exchange of insights and experiences."

The municipality of Rotterdam expects the International Advisory Board's opinion in autumn 2025.

More information on the other members of the International Advisory Board and Cultural Transition Rotterdam can be found here: https://rotterdamdecoded.com/.