Josine Gilissen joins the board of Theaterfestival Boulevard

On 1 April 2025, Josine Gilissen will take up the position of director of Theaterfestival Boulevard and the Bosse Nova Foundation in 's-Hertogenbosch. Together with Dana Kibbelaar, she forms the two-member board of both organizations. Kibbelaar took on her role in 2022 and previously formed a duo with Tessa Smeulers, who stepped down after the 2024 edition. 

The Supervisory Board of Theaterfestival Boulevard has unanimously selected Josine Gilissen and is impressed by her sense of team spirit, which aligns perfectly with the festival’s ethos, its staff and volunteers. She is disarming and brings a fresh perspective. Gilissen is well-versed in both the national and international arts sector; the region of Boulevard is home to her as well. 

Josine Gilissen brings broad experience in the cultural sector. After completing her education in Theatre Studies in Utrecht, she worked successively at ZT Hollandia, NTGent and the Wunderbaum actors’ group, where she stayed for more than 10 years. She later became managing director at youth theatre company Het Filiaal theatermakers in Utrecht. Since 2023, she has worked as an independent professional, taking on the roles of interim business manager at De Kleine Komedie, Vocal Statements and Het NUT. In addition, she is an external confidential advisor for a number of cultural organizations and is a board member of various companies. 

Josine Gilissen: "Theaterfestival Boulevard has played a significant role in my life for years. Over the past fifteen years I have collaborated with the festival on numerous occasions and I frequently visit it as an audience member. I am impressed by the way in which the festival creates space for exploration and thinking beyond boundaries. It is therefore an honor to start working for this festival and I look forward to joining Dana and the entire team and connecting with our audience." 

Dana Kibbelaar: "Welcome Josine! I look forward to partnership in shaping the dual leadership model for the continued development of Theaterfestival Boulevard and Bosse Nova. I am confident that your broad expertise and impressive track record will further strengthen team Boulevard as we pursue our shared mission. Together we stand for the power of art!" 

Heleen Herbert, chair of the Supervisory Board:  
"In 2022, the Supervisory Board firmly embraced a dual management model. In doing so, we meet the need for broad leadership and sustainable work practices. With the appointment of Josine Gilissen, we are continuing this path with great conviction. We are confident that the new management team will contribute energetically to a more inclusive and diverse sector and enhance the accessibility of the performing arts. This is invaluable, especially now, when mutual understanding and imagination in our society can definitely use a boost." 

Theaterfestival Boulevard 2025 will take place from 7 to 17 August.