After 7 successful festivals and 8 years as artistic and general director, Vincent Wijlhuizen will say goodbye to What You See Festival in Utrecht in April 2025. Vincent Wijlhuizen was the initiator and co-founder of What You See. Under his leadership, the festival grew from a small project organization to a leading international arts festival on gender diversity, inclusion and identity. With a solid foundation, deep roots in Utrecht and a broad (inter)national network, What You See Festival is ready for a new phase and a new generation of makers.
Under Wijlhuizen's leadership, What You See Festival has not only expanded the artistic horizon, it has also made an impact on a political and social level. The festival has made gender diversity and inclusion central themes and has also embedded them in the way the festival works (together). This was not just about visibility, it was also about creating space for dialogue, celebrating discomfort and stimulating change.
“What started eight years ago as an artistic call for change has grown into a festival that is able to push artistic boundaries and initiate and nurture social dialogue,” says Vincent Wijlhuizen. “It is a wonderful moment to say goodbye. The team is strong, the ties with our partners are deep and sustainable, and the financially strong position offers a solid foundation for the future. Time for me to take new paths and make room for new voices and perspectives.” At the same time, the road to structural inclusion and equality is far from finished. “The work of a festival like What You See is never finished,” Wijlhuizen emphasizes. “It requires constant vigilance, experimentation and courage. It is time for new voices, dreams and perspectives.”
At a time when the rights of marginalized groups in the Netherlands and worldwide are under pressure, the festival with Wijlhuizen at the helm asked the question: what role does art play in the struggle for emancipation? How can art and culture help dismantle power structures and make the world more equal and just?
The board of What You See Festival will soon start the search for a new general and artistic director. Someone who will build on the solid foundation and at the same time bring new energy to further develop and deepen the festival.
The board of What You See Festival expresses its great appreciation for the years of dedication of Vincent Wijlhuizen. “Vincent has shown us what a festival can be: a safe haven for new perspectives and at the same time a radical voice in society,” says Kirsten Brandt, chair of the board. “We are grateful to him and look to the future with confidence.”