To: Supervisory Board Nederlands Fotomuseum
CC: national newspapers
Date: 22 September 2025
Subject: Administrative turmoil and future Dutch Photo Museum
Dear members of the Supervisory Board,
We, photography lovers, stakeholders and professional administrators active in the arts sector, have noted with concern the sudden resignation of the director-director of the Nederlands Fotomuseum this summer. Our concerns are not isolated: they are widely felt among partners, politicians, friends of the museum and in the cultural sector. This is evidenced by the many reactions in the media, letters sent in, conversations behind the scenes and even questions from the city council.
At stake are not only the substantive grounds for this decision, but more importantly the way the Supervisory Board organised and communicated the process. As yet, an independent and transparent review of the findings is lacking, while public accountability remains extremely limited. That the Board, like the director, has so far remained mostly silent reinforces this vulnerability. Silence in this case is not a strength, but creates room for mistrust.
The Nederlands Fotomuseum is one of the cultural pearls of Rotterdam and the Netherlands. Many people have worked hard to realise and flourish precisely this museum with its unique archive and mission in Rotterdam. The museum fulfils a role that extends far beyond the walls of the institution and contributes substantially to the city's (inter)national position. Any ambiguity, any loss of trust and any additional burden arising from internal decision-making makes the position of the museum and the cultural sector more vulnerable. This affects not only the internal organisation, but also Rotterdam's reputation as a city of culture and an innovative global city.
We therefore urge you to heed our call:
- Transparency: disclose how the internal investigation was conducted and how the Council reached its verdict.
- Caring: Ensure an independent investigation into the course of events and the roles of all parties involved.
- Accountability and dialogue: recognise that a Supervisory Board, precisely because of its extensive public funding, is bound to make explainable decisions and engage in a conversation about this with us as a broad group of friends, connoisseurs and enthusiasts who care about the museum.
We trust you will take this signal seriously and take responsibility for restoring the trust of the public, staff and partners.
Sincerely,
Emily Ansenk
Matti Austen
Marianne Berendse
Lennart Booij
George Brugmans
Harry-Jan Bus
Theo Coskun
Joop Daalmeijer
Margriet Drijver
Sjarel Ex
Eric Fisher
Anouk van Heesch
Paul Hofstra
Patrick van der Hijden
Cathy Jacob
Marianne de Jong
Ali Keles
Marianne Chain
Laurens G.F. Knoop
Frits Loomeijer
Rob Malasch
Kees van der Meiden
Vincent Mentzel
Jeffrey Meulman
Guido van Nispen
Rachel van Olm
Ivo Opstelten
Jan Pronk
Chris Reinewald
Joyce Roodnat
Frederik Santman
Wijbrand Schaap
Elselien Smit
Jantje Steenhuis
Pauline Terreehorst
Ton de Vos
Gerben Vos
Dieter de Vroomen
Kees Weeda
Emile Wennekens
Hans Wilschut
Erik van Zuylen
