parool

Jörgen Tjon A Fong leaves Amsterdam Arts Council for Council for Culture

Jörgen Tjon A Fong leaves Amsterdam Arts Council for Council for Culture

Jörgen Tjon A Fong has been appointed as the incoming chair of the national Council for Culture, effective January 2027. Currently serving as head of the Amsterdam Arts Council, Tjon A Fong will transition from his regional role to advise the government on national cultural and media policy.

The Dutch Council of Ministers has approved the appointment of Jörgen Tjon A Fong as the new chair of the Council for Culture. Tjon A Fong, who currently leads the Amsterdam Arts Council, will officially succeed Kristel Baele on January 1, 2027, following a nomination by Minister Rianne Letschert of Education, Culture and Science.

The Council for Culture serves as an independent advisory body to the government and parliament on matters concerning media, heritage, and the creative sector. Tjon A Fong brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the director of De Kleine Komedie and as an artistic leader for the theater company Urban Myth. Throughout his career, he has focused on promoting the accessibility of the arts and has held numerous board positions across various cultural institutions and funds. He plans to utilize his diverse professional background to provide impactful guidance on national policy and cultural development.

Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Related articles

'I studied, so it makes sense that I earn more': how fair is that really?

'I studied, so it makes sense that I earn more': how fair is that really?

Political scientist and journalist Anouk Kootstra questions the fairness of the traditional belief that higher education and professional status inherently justify higher pay. She challenges the assumption that desk-based roles inherently require more effort or value than manual labor positions like mail delivery.

Documentary maker Mijke de Jong followed Femke Halsema for a year as mayor: I was not out to catch her out

Documentary maker Mijke de Jong followed Femke Halsema for a year as mayor: I was not out to catch her out

Documentary filmmaker Mijke de Jong spent a year following Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema for her project titled De burgemeester. The documentary explores the daily responsibilities and public scrutiny faced by the mayor, addressing themes like accessibility and media criticism.

Halsema calls homeless shelters a magnet: does repealing the outdoor sleeping ban attract homeless people to Amsterdam?

Halsema calls homeless shelters a magnet: does repealing the outdoor sleeping ban attract homeless people to Amsterdam?

The Amsterdam city council is set to decide on Wednesday whether to abolish the local ban on sleeping outdoors. The debate centers on a disagreement between parties advocating for more humane policies and those who fear the change will attract more homeless people to the city.

Child of married couple no longer automatically takes father’s surname: ‘Important victory for women’

Child of married couple no longer automatically takes father’s surname: ‘Important victory for women’

The Dutch government has proposed a new law that prevents the automatic assignment of a father's surname when parents cannot agree on a name for their child. Instead, children will receive both parents' surnames in alphabetical order, a move intended to promote gender equality and address potential power imbalances in abusive relationships.

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

More cultural funding to the regions? Halsema warns: "The labor market is in Amsterdam"

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema has warned the Dutch government against diverting cultural subsidies away from the capital, citing the risk of damaging the city's significant creative labor market. She also defended the autonomy of the arts sector, emphasizing that cultural institutions must remain free from political pressure and secure for all visitors.