Talent development in the region: Cultuur Academy launches Mentoring Program 2026
In January 2026 a new edition of Cultuur Academy's Mentorship Program will start: a year-long program in which ten young makers from Arnhem and Nijmegen will have the opportunity to further develop themselves artistically and professionally. Musicians, actors, visual artists, dancers, designers, filmmakers and interdisciplinary makers can apply until November 16, 2025.
Personal guidance and knowledge sharing
The program combines peer supervision, workshops and personal guidance from a mentor. Every month the makers come together to exchange experiences, support each other and follow workshops, for example on profiling, pricing, healthy work practices and negotiation. In addition, Cultuur Academy pairs each maker with a mentor who matches individual development questions.
I learned that I can have more confidence in myself. It's nice to be able to share that very thing with each other.
For whom.
The Mentorship Program is intended for creators who have been professionally active for up to eight years and who live and/or work in Arnhem or Nijmegen. Participants pay a contribution of €175 (incl. VAT). Part of this amount can be reclaimed through Werktuig PPO.
Application process & selection
Applying is easy: send your motivation (letter or short video of max. 5 minutes), a portfolio or links to your work and your CV by November 16, 2025. More information can be found at www.cultuuracademy.nl/agenda/het-mentorschapsprogramma-2026.
Cultuur Academy will select ten motivated creators from all submissions. The selection is based on motivation and development questions; this is followed by an introductory interview. We deliberately look for a diverse group of makers from different disciplines, with a good balance between Arnhem and Nijmegen.
Practical
Application deadline: November 16, 2025
Start: January 2026
Workshops & peer review: every second Tuesday of the month (Feb-Nov, except July and August)
Locations: alternately Arnhem and Nijmegen
Language: both Dutch and English are welcome thanks to "lingua receptiva"
Retrospective On the Border #6 - between values and rebuttal
On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, the Mariënburg Chapel in Nijmegen filled up for the sixth edition of Over de Grens, Cultuur Academy's biannual talk show. This time the program focused on values, choices and finding your voice in a complex society. As an artist or organization, how do you deal with outside pressure, criticism or controversy? And where do you draw the line yourself?
Nijmegen launches NachtPulse: new fund for innovation and diversity in Nijmegen's night culture
On Monday, September 22, 2025, the first round of applications for NachtPulse will begin: a new Nijmegen fund designed for creators, initiatives, organizations and venues whose innovative ideas contribute to a vibrant, inclusive and diverse nightlife in the city. Cultuur Academy will manage and coordinate the fund .
Young people provide fresh perspective in cultural boards
In September 2024, Cultuur Academy's training program Young people in supervisory and management boards began. Twelve young people from Nijmegen and Arnhem immersed themselves for nine months in governance, finance and cultural policy, and gained practical experience as trainee within cultural organizations.