Generator OOST is looking for future business leaders in the cultural sector

Do you want to grow as a business leader in the cultural sector? Do you have a talent for organizing, planning, and leading? Do you get a boost of energy from taking on responsibility, drawing up budgets, and managing teams? Do you want to learn how organizations work, how decisions are made, and how plans become reality—and do you want to do so alongside a group of motivated participants and experienced leaders from the field? Then De Generator OOST might be just the thing for you!

In September 2026, the fourth edition of De Generator OOST will begin: a development program for people who want to become the next generation of business leaders in the cultural sector. This program is intended for people both within and outside the cultural sector who already have experience in organizing, coordinating, or managing, and who aspire to further develop their business skills. So even if you don’t currently work in the cultural sector, we warmly invite you to apply.

About De Generator OOST and Its Partners

Generator OOST is an initiative of collaborating cultural institutions in the eastern Netherlands. Driven by a shared sense of urgency, we are working together to shape the future of the sector: we need strong, committed, and curious business leaders who can help organizations grow and innovate.

Since its launch in 2020, several editions have taken place, and De Generator has grown into a strong network of institutions and professionals who are investing together in talent development. Cultuur Academy is responsible for the program management of De Generator OOST.

The cultural institutions participating in the 4th edition are: Phion, Introdans, Theater Oostpool, BRUT, Museum Arnhem, Musis & Stadstheater Arnhem, Theater Sonnevanck, Orpheus, Theater aan de Rijn, Metropool, and Zwolse Theaters.

What are you going to do?

Generator OOST is a development program that combines learning, reflection, and practical experience. Throughout the program, you will work on your own professional development and conduct a practical research project within the sector.
The program consists of:

• Training Days: You’ll attend 18 training days (approximately every other Wednesday). During these sessions, you’ll work on topics such as leadership, governance, strategy, financing, and more. The program’s content is partly determined by your learning needs, so you have a say in what you learn. The sessions are led by the participating directors and other experts in the field. The training sessions take place at various locations hosted by the partners.
• Practical Research: During the training days, you’ll have the opportunity to formulate your learning questions in the field of business leadership. You’ll explore these questions in practice by working on an assignment or issue within one or more of the affiliated arts institutions.
  Your mentor is typically the business leader or director of the organization where you’re conducting your practical research. Depending on your learning question, another professional within the organization may also provide you with substantive guidance. The structure of your program and research is tailored to your needs: together, we’ll shape this throughout the program to ensure it aligns optimally with your development.
• Peer Review: You share your experiences and learn from other participants through peer review sessions.
• Individual coaching: You will receive one-on-one guidance from a certified (career) coach.
• Networking: You’ll build a valuable network of professionals and fellow participants. You’ll get an inside look at various cultural institutions.

For whom.

Generator OOST is a program for people who live and/or work in Gelderland or Overijssel and aspire to further develop as business leaders in the cultural sector. We are looking for a diverse group of participants who want to strengthen the business side of the cultural sector by working with and learning from one another, as well as with the participating institutions. Everyone is welcome to apply. Your background, age, or education are not decisive factors; what matters most to us is your motivation and curiosity. We are looking for participants who already have experience in a coordinating, project-based, or managerial role, and who want to further develop their leadership and strategic insight.

During the selection process, we consider the following profiles, among others:

• You work in the cultural sector and have experience leading or coordinating projects, teams, or processes. You are responsible for planning, organization, and/or budgets, and you want to take the next step toward a more strategic or leadership role within the sector.
• You work outside the cultural sector in a coordinating, project-based, or (mid-level) management role and want to make the transition to the cultural sector. You want to apply the experience you’ve gained within a cultural organization and continue to grow toward a leadership role.

The program is conducted in Dutch, so a good command of Dutch is required.

What are the benefits?

After the program is completed:

• Do you have an understanding of topics such as governance, strategy, financing, human resources management, and organizational development;
• you have further developed your own leadership style;
• You have built up a valuable network in the cultural sector.

With this experience, you'll be ready to take the next step as a business leader in the cultural sector.

Practical information

The fourth edition of De Generator OOST will begin with a joint kickoff event on September 16, 2026. Following that, from September 2026 through April 2027, you will participate in the training period, during which you will meet with the other participants approximately one day every two weeks. From May through October 2027, you will work on your practical research at one or more partner institutions. The program concludes in December 2027. The meetings take place at various locations in the eastern Netherlands, usually at the partner institutions. The total time commitment averages one day every two weeks.

Participation in De Generator requires a personal contribution of €2,000, excluding VAT. The actual costs of the program are higher, but thanks to contributions from our partner organizations, you can participate in this program for only a fraction of the actual costs. We believe it’s important that financial circumstances shouldn’t be a barrier to participation. Is the personal contribution a hurdle for you? If so, you may be eligible for (partial) funding through Werktuig PPO. You can read more about the options and conditions on their website.

Apply for a Job

Unfortunately, registration for this edition is now closed. Would you like to learn more about De Generator? Please send us an email at info@cultuuracademy.nl.