Young People on Supervisory and Executive Boards 2024–2025
This article is about a completed project, and the application deadline has since passed. For current projects and open calls, visit our full offerings page.
In the fall of 2024, the training program “Young People on Supervisory and Governing Boards” was launched, an initiative of Cultuur Academy collaboration with the municipalities of Nijmegen and Arnhem. The goal of the program was to prepare young people for a role on the supervisory or governing board of a cultural organization. Over the course of nine months, participants learned about governance, finance, and communication, and received guidance on gaining practical administrative experience through a traineeship.
The program was aimed at young people who were already board members or members of a supervisory board, or who wanted to take that step. Through training sessions, a traineeship, career coaching, and reflection sessions with experienced supervisors and board members, they developed their leadership skills and expanded their professional network.
The value of young people in governance
Young people bring not only fresh perspectives, but also indispensable knowledge, experience, and skills that are essential for the future viability of cultural organizations. Their familiarity with digital developments, social trends, and changing audience needs makes them a valuable addition to governing bodies. By giving young people a permanent place on supervisory boards and executive boards, institutions gain direct access to insights that are crucial for engaging new generations and maintaining their social relevance.
For young people themselves, a seat at the board table means more than just learning: it is recognition of their voice, an opportunity to exert influence, and a concrete way to contribute to their city’s cultural landscape. They gain experience in oversight, strengthen their network, and develop skills that can enhance their standing in the job market.
A Joint Reflection
On June 10, 2025, the festive closing event took place at Theater Het Badhuis in Nijmegen. After nine intensive months of learning and collaboration, the program concluded with reflections, an inspiring talk, discussions, and a joint symbolic closing ceremony. The evening was moderated by Yusuf Aslaner and included contributions from participants, a talk by philosopher Michael Grooff, a keynote address by traineeship supervisor Melvin Kolf, and an interactive case study on administrative integrity. Watch the video by Cultuur+Ondernemen Principle 8) about this project here.
What have we learned?
This initiative has shown that, with the right guidance and a role on a supervisory or governing board, young people are of great value to the cultural sector. They bring not only fresh perspectives, but also substantive knowledge, social engagement, and contemporary skills. Their presence contributes to a sector that is forward-looking, inclusive, and resilient. At the same time, it became clear that the willingness of boards and organizations to truly make room for young people, provide guidance, and learn together is crucial to the success of such an initiative.
What makes this project special is the reciprocity: young people learned how governance works, and organizations learned what it takes to truly help young members settle in. A safe learning environment, a mentor, time for reflection, and space for questions proved to be essential. Experience shows that change requires commitment from both sides. But when that commitment is there, the rewards are great—for young people, for organizations, and for the sector as a whole. The foundation is in place. What’s next? That’s a shared responsibility.
