Open Call
The master connection
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For diverse makers seeking depth, visibility, and connection within the art and design world. Are you a visual artist, designer, craftsperson, or visual creator? Do you want to share your work, deepen your practice, and connect with field experts? At Meesterverbinding, diverse backgrounds are central; underrepresented voices in the art world truly find their space here. Sign up now!
What do you get as a selected maker?
Masterclass
Deepen your practice with an expert: positioning, visibility & subsidy tips.
Exhibition
Showcase your work to thousands of visitors during De HOOPening on September 27.
Networking event
Participate in an exclusive preview + dinner with curators, gallery owners, and buyers on September 26.
Chance Residency
One maker will receive a 3-month residency, including a studio, workshops, and professional documentation.
About De Hoop Maakgemeenschap
De Hoop is a vibrant artist village located in a raw industrial warehouse in Zaandam. With over 200 studios, it's a bustling hub for makers, designers, artists, and craftspeople.
All components of Master Connection take place here, from the selection process to the exhibition.
Barndegat 6-8, Zaandam
What do we expect from you?
We're looking for makers who work professionally, are open to feedback, and eager to grow. You don't have to be "finished" – just be yourself and actively engaged.
Availability
If selected, we expect you to prepare your work and be present on September 26 and 27 for the preview and opening.
Diversity
We're seeking a broad mix of disciplines and backgrounds – from design to craft and visual art. Makers from Amsterdam and (preferably) Zaandam are explicitly welcome.
Professionalism
We're looking for makers who are actively working on their practice – whether you're just starting out or already experienced.
Selection criteria:
✔️ Unique Signature
✔️ Quality & Craftsmanship
✔️ Artistic or Conceptual Strength
✔️ Relevance to the Zeitgeist
✔️ Room for Innovation or Experimentation
Why Master connection?
In a time of increasing pressure on the cultural sector, De Hoop – together with Stichting Crealisatie – offers diverse makers more than just a stage. We create space for in-depth development, networking, visibility, and growth. The selection is made by an independent committee of 3 to 5 experts, including curators from art and design fairs, gallery owners, and other field professionals. With a sharp, experimental perspective and experience within leading platforms, the committee ensures a fresh, substantive selection of makers with courage, urgency, and potential – whether emerging, underrepresented, or established.
Who are the committee members?
Fleur Feringa
Co-owner Galerie Fleur & Wouter
Fleur Feringa has a broad background in the fashion industry and works as a fashion stylist and costume designer. In 2019, she co-founded Galerie Fleur & Wouter with art historian Wouter van Herwaarden, aiming to make the gallery world more accessible and transparent to a wider audience. In addition to her work with the gallery, Fleur serves as an advisor for the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, a financial committee member for the Dutch Gallery Association, and a coach for This Art Fair. Through these roles, she actively contributes to shaping a more inclusive and open art landscape.
David Heldt
Co-Founder en Creative Director GLUE amsterdam connected by design
David Heldt, a design alumnus of ArtEZ, ran his own furniture studio in Amsterdam. He curated a major exhibition in Japan in 2000, featuring 65 Dutch designers, including Droog Design's debut there. After a Master’s at Goldsmiths, he co-founded Tuttobene (2006) for sustainable design and launched Connecting the Dots magazine (2010). David was extensively involved in international design promotion. Today, he's known as the co-founder and creative director of GLUE, connecting Amsterdam's design community via a yearly design route and monthly Community Cocktails.
Stephan Schagen
Architect & commissielid ABKV Zaandam
SStephan Schagen, an architect, founded Studio Stephan Schagen, a practice at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and cultural heritage. He also co-founded Kijken in de Grond, a platform for soil, craft, culture, and landscape. As chair of ABKV Zaanstad, Stephan connects designers, artists, and commissioners. After studying at the Academy of Architecture, he worked at SILO architects and Office WinHov before starting his own studio, known for its clear, research-driven design approach, inspired by his upbringing.
Mette Samkalden
Art Advisor, Co-founder Kunstmest
Mette Samkalden is an art advisor and co-founder of Kunstmest, developing projects that emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and artistic quality. Active in the arts since 2011, she has advised galleries, museums, and government bodies on fundraising and project development. Previously, Mette served as director of This Art Foundation, known for This Art Fair, and advised the Amsterdam Arts Council. With Kunstmest, she now creates public art projects and supports emerging artists through coaching and commissions.
Marc Aijtink
Director Artzaanstad kunstuitleen/gallery
Marc Aijtink is director of Artzaanstad art rental/gallery, with over thirty years of experience as a gallery owner and art collector. For two decades, he ran galleries in Amsterdam and Hilversum. At Artzaanstad, his mission is making art accessible to everyone, guided by the motto "Art is for everyone" and "Be smart, rent art." Marc also brings extensive business expertise from his experience in the financial sector and various board roles, including chairman at Filmtheater Hilversum and Museum Hilversum.
Timeline & Deadlines
Date | What is happening |
|---|---|
| 15 May | Start application |
| 30 June | Deadline application |
| July | Selectionday commision |
| End of July | Announcement of selected makers |
| August - September | Selected makers prepare for the exhibition |
| September | Masterclass Positioning & Subsidies |
| 26 May 2026 | Preview event + Hoop Dinner |
| 27 May 2026 | Exhibition + Residency |
