Millions of people in the Netherlands care for a partner, parent, child, family member, friend or neighbour. Carers are an essential force in our society, yet they often remain unseen. How do we give attention to the people who care for others every day?How do we make visible the small gestures that carry so much…
During the opening of ICAF 2026, Artistic Director Jasmina Ibrahimovic spoke about the power of participatory arts, care, and connection. As many visitors asked whether the speech would be made available after the festival, we are pleased to share the full text below. Good evening, It took me a while to understand what I wanted…
We are proud to share that TAKE CARE – Gesti di Cura · Gebaren van Zorg · Gestos de Cuidado – has been selected for funding through the European Union’s Creative Europe programme. TAKE CARE is an international cooperation project that brings together cultural organisations and artists from across Europe to explore artistic, social and…
Melissa Fortes is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist who uses her voice to build bridges between worlds. Raised in a Cape Verdean-Dutch family in Rotterdam, she weaves the warmth of the islands together with the pulse and rhythms of the city in her work. On stage, all her disciplines converge. As a singer, actress, songwriter, and…
The Herds – life-sized animals move through the city During the 10th anniversary edition of the International Community Arts Festival (ICAF), monumental animal figures will move through the streets of Rotterdam. Operated by an international team of artists and one hundred Rotterdam residents, these sculptures are crafted from fragile, ecological materials. Fleeing the impacts of…
Free program for the city Het festival komt er weer aan! More information From March 16 through March 29, 2026 Kom allemaal kijken
Naomi Alexander is the founder and Artistic Director of Brighton People’s Theatre (BPT). Over the last 20 years she has made work in parks and schools, pubs and working men’s clubs and occasionally, in theatres. She always co-creates work with non-professional artists. As an independent researcher, she explores the artistry and leadership behind community arts…
Sarah Kaushik is an artist and scenographer based in Utrecht, the Netherlands. She holds a Master’s degree in Scenography from HKU (2020–2022) and has worked as an artist and designer since 2010. Originally from India, she began her career as an exhibition designer, collaborating with curators, craftspeople, and artists engaged in traditional craft practices. Her…
Haags Verhaal is an initiative that helps residents discover different worlds within their own city. Moving through The Hague like a travelling storytelling circus, it organises storytelling gatherings, events, publications, community art projects, and dialogue sessions. Through these activities, Haags Verhaal reaches the heart of the city’s social fabric, uncovering stories that might otherwise remain…
Eva Koopmans (1993) is a relational artist and designer. With a background in scenography, she focuses on spatial interventions that bring people and places into contact with one another. Facilitating encounters forms the common thread throughout her work — whether in theatres, at festivals, or within organisations. Eva uses art as a means to participate…