Workshop: How to Create a Professional Portfolio

Learn everything you need to know as a creator about putting together a professional portfolio.

You’ve worked hard for this: a grant application or project proposal is ready to be submitted. But then you’re asked for a portfolio—good photos, videos, or texts that truly showcase your work. Whether you’re a visual artist, theater maker, dancer, musician, or designer, a strong portfolio is essential. It’s your calling card; your chance to show who you are and what you’re capable of. But how do you choose what to include? How do you ensure that your portfolio isn’t just visually appealing, but also accurately conveys who you are as a creator and what you’ve already accomplished?

In this workshop, you won’t just get an explanation—you’ll gain clear insights, practical tools, and inspiring examples that will take your portfolio to the next level. What are the pitfalls you need to avoid? And how can you ensure that your portfolio not only looks professional but also truly reflects your unique voice? We’ll dive into the dos and don’ts, share valuable tips, and learn from each other’s experiences. No vague advice—just concrete steps to make your portfolio more powerful.

For whom.

This workshop is for creators from all cultural disciplines who want to take their portfolio to the next level. Whether you’re putting together a portfolio for the first time or already have experience but struggle with selecting pieces, here you’ll learn how to make clear-cut choices and showcase only your strongest work. No more doubts about what does or doesn’t belong in your portfolio—after this workshop, you’ll know for sure!

After this workshop

• Do you know exactly what elements make up a compelling portfolio?
• Can you clearly translate your creative practice into a portfolio that reflects your unique vision and qualities?
• Have you exchanged valuable feedback and tips with other creators and strengthened your network?

What to expect.

During this workshop, you’ll actively work on the elements that together make up your portfolio. How can you ensure that your work truly shines? And how can you make room for works in progress, experiments, and sources of inspiration that showcase who you are as a creator? Because a strong portfolio isn’t just about completed projects—it’s about your process, your vision, and your unique voice.

We’ll start with the building blocks of a strong portfolio: what should be included, what should be left out, and how do you make choices that best showcase your work? Next, you’ll get to work translating your creative practice into a clear narrative. Even if you don’t have many completed projects yet, you can still create a powerful portfolio. We’ll show you how to incorporate your process, experiments, and sources of inspiration into your portfolio, creating an authentic picture of who you are as a creator and what your vision is. There will also be opportunities to exchange feedback and network with other creators. By discussing each other’s work and sharing tips, you’ll not only enrich your portfolio but also expand your professional network.

About the trainer

Amber van den Heuvel is a visual artist and cultural connector in Arnhem. She works as a project manager and program developer at The Hub, focusing on supporting young artists as they transition from education to professional practice. She is also involved in collaborations with, among others, the City of Arnhem, ArtEZ, the Koppig collective, Bureau Ruimtekoers, and Cultuur Academy. As a co-founder of Kunstradar, she is committed to raising the profile of art and culture in Gelderland. In 2024, she completed her master’s degree in Creative Industries, with the goal of empowering artists at the policy level as well.

Practical information

Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: €15, including VAT
Location: De Transformatiezaal, van Oldenbarneveltstraat 94, Arnhem
Participants: maximum of 15

Sign up and more information

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the program, please contact Moniek Klabbers at moniek@cultuuracademy.nl. Do you have practical questions about, for example, registration, accessibility, or the location? Please contact us at info@cultuuracademy.nl.