2023 was a special year for Harry Hamelink because on 13 September he was awarded the Cultuurpenning by Alderman Said Kasmi. A wonderful moment, where he was praised for his decades of commitment to Rotterdam’s cultural sector. It also provided a moment of reflection and contemplation, and Harry decided to hand over his role as artistic director to a new generation. We are proud to announce that Enoma Amayo has joined as head of programme and Margriet Colenbrander as general director. Harry will remain closely involved in the team as founder/programme maker, to create great programmes and continue to share his accumulated knowledge and skills with the organisation, Rotterdam and the cultural sector.
The Jury Report of the Culture Medal wrote: “For decades, Hamelink has been active in the cultural sector, without standing in the foreground. Central to everything he does is taking the people around him further,” the jury said. And that taking people around him further has been the main motivation in this decision. “It feels like the right time for this move, there is a strong team and board in which I fully trust. I am looking forward to getting back to my roots, making programmes and advising and coaching the new generation.”
And the timing is also special for Enoma Amayo (28): she won the IJzeren Eierbal at Eurosonic Noorderslag in 2023 as the biggest up-and-coming talent within the Dutch Pop stages and festivals. “It’s great that I was first able to learn from Harry for a few years, and now I can put together the mozaique of my dreams with all the knowledge I have gained”. Enoma continues and expands MOMO’s artistic direction. She does this by presenting new and inspiring artists and creators at MOMO Festival and with MOMO Concerts. It also aims to draw attention to themes we see around us, in our city and beyond. These themes are used as inspiration by all programmers. Whether this is about the family history of bi-cultural artists as Naomi He-Ji showed during MOMO Festival 2023 or where this year’s work Dear Laila gives a glimpse into the stories of devastation and loss brought by war and occupation. These are stories and themes where visitors see and experience new perspectives. Alongside this thematic approach, there is always room for emerging acts; the Lowlands headliner of the future. Where this year, eyes are on artists like Artemas, Bolis Pupul and Porcelain id.
Margriet Colenbrander (36) started as business director in autumn 2021. As a result of Harry’s role change, she is tackling the role of general manager with both hands. And for her, too, it feels logical and this move is in line with her vision for the organisation. “It is an honour to continue building the organisation started by Harry. I see it as my job to help the team grow as much as possible and make sure they can fulfil their MOMO dreams. With Enoma as Head of Programme, we have a wonderful addition and leadership in our artistic team. Enoma represents a generation and sound that deserves a big stage, I am very happy that MOMO can facilitate that stage.”