Jimmy-Pierre de Graaf is Korzo’s new general director

We have a new general director! His name is Jimmy-Pierre de Graaf and he will join Korzo January 1^st, 2025. Jimmy-Pierre is the successor of Gemma Jelier, who left Korzo the 1^st of October.

Jimmy-Pierre de Graaf (33) has worked in the cultural sector in various roles for the past years. He is a creative producer, business director at Ulrike Quade Company, international agent for Wunderbaum & Nicole Beutler Projects and percussionist. His next role is being general director at Korzo. ‘I am happy and proud,’ he says. 'I am pleased that the advisory committee and the Supervisory Board chose me as general director. That inspires confidence and feels good. I think it is worth a compliment that Korzo’s there for the new generation and shows itself to be a house of development. Not only in the house of makers, but also in the management.'

Pioneering and showing ambition

As a producer and visitor, Jimmy-Pierre already regularly visited Korzo. ‘I think it is one of the most black box theatres in the Netherlands and I have seen exceptional makers in Korzo,’ he says. ‘Moreover, Korzo's mission and vision fit well with his own ambitions and goals as a creative producer in the cultural sector. ‘Art creates an impact, sets people and society in motion,’ Jimmy-Pierre says. 'I look forward to taking on the leadership of a dynamic theatre like Korzo. Together with business director Benno Vogt and the dedicated team, I want to further propagate the Korzo motto ‘Here to move you’.'

Jimmy-Pierre starts on 1 January and knows what he wants to work on. 'My working practice has always been fuelled by a relentless curiosity for new talent, innovative forms, challenging perspectives and relevant themes. I have always done this from an inclusive stance and with a love for sustainability and interdisciplinary work. Specifically on those two themes, we can become pioneers and show ambition. Furthermore, I hope to use my experience and knowledge to expand Korzo's international network, allowing makers to push their boundaries.'

Community building and a right-wing government

Apart from Korzo, there are big challenges and opportunities in the cultural sector as a whole. Jimmy-Pierre sees that the relationship with audiences is changing. ‘It is no longer obvious that you attract audiences with an advertisement, poster or newsletter,’ he says. 'As Korzo, we have to think about which communities we want to serve and why. Audiences today make choices based on their lifestyle, value palette or community. We have to respond to that as Korzo and that requires new strategies'.

Another challenge for all cultural institutions is the political climate. ‘We have a right-wing cabinet and costs will continue to rise,’ says Jimmy-Pierre. 'So we will have to pay attention to our finances. I want to look at how we can broaden the funding mix. Sustainable partnerships become important in this to reduce risks. So that we can remain a house of curiosity & development, where creators can grow.'

Jimmy-Pierre will start as general director of Korzo from 1 January. In the meantime, Erik Pals has been appointed interim director. From 2025, the management will consist of Jimmy-Pierre as general director and Benno Vogt as business director. Benno has been working as head of finance at Korzo for four years and will succeed Reinier van Ooijen as of 1 October.