Joop Bergevoet, acting general director of the Dutch Open Air Museum and also acting director of KIEN, states: “This is a decision that is strongly supported by the Advisory Board of KIEN and colleagues from the department and the management team of the Open Air Museum. I look to the future with confidence and am pleased with this step.”
Drs. Saskia van Oostveen, director at KIEN
From Project Staff to Director
Saskia van Oostveen began her career at KIEN as a project assistant for the Year of Traditions. Over the years, she has held various positions, including consultant, manager of the Inventory of Intangible Heritage in the Netherlands, team leader of Heritage Care, and head of KIEN. Saskia says: “Through the different roles I have fulfilled within KIEN, I have experienced many developments and developed a clear vision of intangible heritage and KIEN. Now I can further develop and realise my ideas together with the team.”
Opportunities for the Future: KIEN as a Network Organisation
When asked how she plans to approach her new role, Saskia explains that she wants to work analytically and step by step, alongside the team. “I believe it’s important that we do things for the right reasons and in the right way. Doing something just because we’ve always done it that way doesn’t suit me,” she explains. Saskia sees numerous opportunities for the future of KIEN. “There is increasing attention for intangible heritage, and the field is very dynamic. KIEN can further develop into a network organisation and play a connecting role among the many people in the Netherlands and the Kingdom who are engaged with intangible heritage.”
Saskia concludes: “I am convinced of the power of intangible heritage; it offers immense opportunities for society, and it deserves a better platform. Intangible heritage plays a role in social and sustainability issues. Moreover, intangible heritage has significant potential in economic terms. In the coming years, I want to bring this to light even more, together with the team, and give intangible heritage the place it deserves: at the heart of society, as a connecting link between the past, present, and future." KIEN and the Dutch Open Air Museum wish Saskia every success in her new role!