Since the pilot year in 2022, I have been involved with ArtHelpdesk as a participating artist. Within this initiative, patronage takes on a contemporary form: rather than financial support, the focus lies on knowledge, experience, and personal involvement. Artists are paired with experienced professionals from the business world, the so-called business buddies, to collaboratively build sustainable cultural entrepreneurship, where artistic quality and professional growth go hand in hand.

Last May, this led to a special moment at the Industrieële Groote Club in Amsterdam. During a lively and interactive evening, new audiences were introduced to ArtHelpdesk. Together with project advisor Coen Kranenberg and project leader Anikó Ouweneel, I gave a presentation on the relationship between art and entrepreneurship. I spoke about how valuable the guidance of a business mentor can be: not a standardised programme, but a tailored approach with attention to the individual, the process, and potential.

When I was approached for the ArtHelpdesk pilot in 2023, I was initially somewhat sceptical. My practice was already developing steadily, and I had experience with both exhibitions and entrepreneurship within the cultural sector. Still, the programme proved to be highly valuable. The conversations and guidance helped me reflect more critically on focus, decision making, and the long term development of my practice. In particular, the combination of personal coaching, entrepreneurship, and the network of artists and business mentors made a meaningful difference.

Now, several years later, I can clearly see how important that exchange and support have been in the continued growth of my practice. What I appreciate most about ArtHelpdesk is that the programme does not push participants in a predetermined direction, but instead helps them stand more firmly behind their own work and ambitions. Beyond the programme itself, it also creates an inspiring network in which knowledge, experience, and new connections continue to circulate and grow.

You can find more information about ArtHelpdesk on their website.