Utrecht, 12 January 2026 - Festival Tweetakt is proud to announce the appointment of Johan Gijsen as the new chairman of its Supervisory Board. Gijsen's appointment strengthens the festival's strategic capability. Gijsen thus succeeds Paul Broekhoff, whose term has come to an end after six years.
The Supervisory Board is delighted with Gijsen's arrival. He is considered a leading cultural entrepreneur and manager with an impressive track record in the performing arts and festival world. His broad experience in the field of artistic vision, organisational development and managerial responsibility closely matches Festival Tweetakt's ambitions.
Long track record
Gijsen has a long track record in the cultural sector. Among other things, he was founder and director of the internationally renowned festival Le Guess Who? and held management positions at institutions such as Poppodium 013 and arts centre WORM. He also fulfils various supervisory and advisory roles, including with the VPRO, the Residentie Orkest and the Council for Culture. He currently works as a consultant and interim director on complex organisational and transition issues within culture and heritage.
As chairman of the Supervisory Board, Gijsen will focus on monitoring the artistic and social mission of the festival and inspiring the board in the further development of Festival Tweetakt.
Sharp artistic compass
Robbert Schuurmans, acting chairman of the Supervisory Board; “With Johan Gijsen we bring in a chairman with a sharp artistic compass, administrative experience and a big heart for festivals and makers. His strategic insight and connecting style make him ideally suited to give direction to Tweetakt's future together with the management and the Supervisory Board.”
Petra Blok and Senne Vercouteren, artistic and business director; ‘’With Johan Gijsen, we are strengthened by a solid director with a chunk of knowledge and energy that will be very useful, especially in this phase of development. His impressive CV and history in the Utrecht cultural world only reinforce that feeling. We are very much looking forward to working together.’’
With Gijsen's appointment, Festival Tweetakt takes another step in further professionalising and securing its mission as a leading multidisciplinary arts festival for young audiences.
Gijsen; “Festival Tweetakt is a unique and idiosyncratic platform that has played an essential role in the development of youth and performing arts for years. I greatly appreciate the way the festival manages to combine artistic quality, social commitment and audience broadening. I look forward to contributing to a solid and future-proof organisation as chairman of the Supervisory Board.”
About Tweetakt
Festival Tweetakt is known for its diverse programme, which includes theatre and dance, music, visual arts and interactive installations. The festival aims to make contemporary (performing) arts accessible and relevant to youth and young people. At various locations in the centre of Utrecht and at Fort Ruigenhoek, Tweetakt offers a unique cultural experience every year. In 2026, the festival will take place from 5 to 14 June. Ticket sales start in early April.
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