Leisure and Event Management (LEM) | Graduation Series 2025
In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Borre van Leeuwen (27) found himself at a crossroads. After working full-time in the corporate world, a sudden layoff forced him to stop and reflect. “I had to ask myself: am I really happy doing this?” The answer led him away from the office and back toward something he had always missed: creativity and culture.
With a background in television and production, Borre had long felt the pull of creative work, but hadn’t quite found the right fit. That changed when he attended an open day at WdKA between lockdowns. “I instantly fell in love with the academy and with Rotterdam. I signed up right away and moved here.”
Now, five years later, Borre is graduating from the Transformation Design programme with a project that brings his love for culture, city life, and practical execution together: a plan to make more room for street culture in Rotterdam’s public spaces.
Culture in the Streets
Borre’s graduation project explores how the public space in Rotterdam can better support cultural expression - think street music, theatre, performance art. His inspiration came during a study trip to Berlin, where lively street scenes are woven into the city’s identity. “We created a program there with street musicians, and it just stuck with me,” he explains.
His research has taken him across different layers of the city - combining desk research, on-the-ground observation, and active experimentation. He’s currently collaborating with a musician to test out small-scale performances in public spaces, carefully observing how people respond. “It’s about how culture contributes to the atmosphere and livability of a city. There’s so much potential in these spontaneous cultural moments, but in the Netherlands strict rules often get in the way.”
Borre wants to challenge those limitations and show what’s possible when space is given back to people. “Public space should feel like it belongs to everyone, including artists.”
From Concept to Practice
Throughout his time at WdKA, Borre has developed a clear strength: connecting the dots between theory and action. “Before, I was all about just doing and making things happen. Now, I can clearly explain why something has value. That helps me bring people along and build support for ideas.”
His project is the first time he’s worked entirely solo, and that’s come with challenges. “In LEM, we’re used to working in teams. This time, I’ve really had to lean into the theoretical side of things, which would usually be picked up by someone else. But it’s been good for me to think more critically, to strategize.”
The results are starting to come together. Alongside live tests and event planning, he’s building a strong conceptual foundation for how cities like Rotterdam could make space for cultural use of public space. “What excites me most is seeing people’s reactions and the value it brings to artists and passersby alike. That’s what drives me.”
Growing into a Cultural Connector
Borre’s journey through the academy has shaped not only his ideas, but also how he works. “I used to be someone who just jumped into action. Now I pause, ask the right questions, and think about who I need around me to make something happen.”
Outside of his studies, Borre has already built a strong presence in the cultural sector. He freelances for organizations like IFFR and O. Festival, working in production. At IFFR, he’s involved in the immersive arts department, producing experiences that push the boundaries of film and performance. “It was really important for me to start building my network and gaining work experience during my studies. That way, the jump to full-time work isn’t such a shock.”
What’s Next?
After graduation, Borre hopes to further develop his street culture concept in Rotterdam, collaborating with cultural partners and the municipality. At the same time, he plans to continue freelancing within the arts and festival world. “I love working project-based. It’s demanding, but it gives me energy.”
In the long term, he sees himself as a connector, someone who bridges the creative and practical worlds. “I want to help turn ideas into reality. Especially in the fields of performance and festival culture, where there’s so much room to innovate.”
Advice to Future Students
Borre’s advice is simple but powerful: “Find your focus. You’ll get a lot of input during your studies, but you are the one who has to shape your direction. And say yes to opportunities, but also learn to say no when something doesn’t align with your path.”
Above all, he believes in staying curious and never stopping learning. “I’m ready for what’s next, but I also know I’ll keep evolving. That’s part of the work.”
