Kunstbende: platform for young talent
Young creators should be able to do their creative thing, regardless of their background or financial situation
Much more than a game
"We are much more than a competition," explains coordinator Richard Walhout (@riesjart_). "What started 35 years ago as a contest for young creators has grown into a creative community. Where you can showcase yourself, meet other young makers, stumble, get back up, and grow. One is eager to take that stage, while another primarily seeks connection and development. And all of that is possible here."
It all starts with creating a profile on the website. Afterwards, Kunstbende will talk to you: what do you want to learn, where are you at, how can we help you further? Richard: “Some young people want to perform on stage immediately, others are not ready for that at all. They first want to work on their skills or expand their network. And that's perfectly fine. Everyone chooses their own path.”
”Within the community, you can participate in workshops, meet-ups, and coaching programs. And not only for your personal growth and development, but also for that of others: “We truly help each other here. It's always wonderful to see how quickly friendships form. Young people who have just met each other start creating together right away. In my opinion, that's what Kunstbende is all about: meeting, creating together, and having fun.”
No thresholds
Kunstbende has eight categories: dance, DJ, visual arts, fashion, film, music, writing, and theatre. But, as Richard emphasizes, within and outside these boundaries there is plenty of room for personal interpretation. “Maybe you combine disciplines or experiment with something that doesn't have a name yet. Kunstbende actually encourages that.”
Participation in Kunstbende is completely free. “We don't want any barriers,” explains Richard. “Young creators should be able to do their creative thing, regardless of their background or financial situation. Being creative is not only a way to express yourself, but it also helps you better understand the world around you. Art offers new perspectives, creates connections, and makes the voices of young creators heard. And that voice is important!”
Network exciting
The national winners of Kunstbende can, in addition to a coaching program, look forward to a performance on a national stage in their own category. Playing at Oerol, exhibiting at the Stedelijk Museum, a screening at the Dutch Film Festival… that kind of work.
Serious awards and the participants are therefore judged by a professional jury. “Absolutely nerve-wracking of course. I also feel the nerves running through my body – and I don’t even have to step onto that stage! But they just pull it off. It’s so amazing to witness from the sidelines the development they go through. From very awkward to real performers. Yeah, then I’m just totally proud.”
Awesome showcase
The preliminary round in Breda (entry: pay what you want) on 29 March promises to be an awesome showcase, with around eighty participants. “Whether you're taking part or just coming to watch, you'll be treated to an afternoon and evening full of inspiration, energy, and surprises.”
Register for the preliminary rounds by 14 March at kunstbende.nl/wedstrijd
About Kunstbende
Kunstbende is the ultimate platform for everyone aged 13 to 19. In this online and offline community, every young person can discover and develop their talents in Dance, DJ, Expo, Fashion, Film, Music, Language, and Theatre. Through tutorials and workshops you can learn new skills, and there is a noticeboard where you can post calls for new band members, models, music video makers, etc. As the cherry on the cake, there is the competition track where you gain podium experience during a preliminary round in your own province. All winners receive a coaching programme, and the first-place winners go through to the national final.