Open Calls

WANTED: GEN Z CULTURAL CHANGEMAKERS

Are you ready to experiment, challenge existing boundaries, and put ideas to action to reinvent concert-going experiences and help artists build long-term relationships with audiences of your own generation?

Rizoom is looking to build a 3 member research team of cultural makers, instigators, marketeers, producers, organisers and programmers — creative minds who think outside of the box — based in the Netherlands and between the ages of 18–29, for our Gen Z audience research trajectory.

The trajectory offers:

• Opportunity to form hypotheses and try out diverse ideas “in the real world”, contributing to necessary change and development of the cultural sector
• Fair payment for your time investment and work
• A team budget for trying out new marketing and communication strategies
• Resources for practical/technical implementation of the research ideas
• Collaboration with a network of Rizoom makers, innovators and artists, to build exciting programs and events
• Professional mentorship
• Access to existing know-how of leading Dutch cultural organisations within the Rizoom network
• An opportunity to sharpen your collaborative skills and organisational talent

Who are you?

• A member of the Gen Z generation (born in 1997 or later, and over 18 years old in January 2026)
• A socially engaged person, with a proven track record of team-working skills
• A strong interest in contemporary music and arts, in all its fluidity between genres and forms
• A creative, motivated mind. Rizoom is open to creators and cultural organisers from all backgrounds, with or without formal music or management education
• Ready to dedicate time to practical research to help develop the cultural sector
• Eager to represent the voice of your generation in reaching audiences in relevant, impactful ways
• A resident of The Netherlands and able to send valid invoices*

We encourage everyone who feels called to this program to apply. All perspectives, experiences and backgrounds create great value in growing the cultural sector in the right direction.

We welcome and accommodate creatives with disabilities or special needs. You do not need special academic research or writing experience. The program is open to international residents in NL as well as Dutch citizens and, depending on the team setup, can be run in Dutch, English or hybrid.

Candidates will be selected based on:

• Knowledge of the music and contemporary arts field
• Complementary skills and diverse experience
• Drive to learn and experiment
• Proven track record of ability to collaborate in a team

Structure of program

1. This program will start in January 2026 with a three month development period, in which the team will build and crystallise ideas into a practical plan for several concert/event experiences.

This plan consists of programming, producing and marketing elements, using the resources available to Rizoom.

2. In the second part of the trajectory, between April and November, the team carries out the planned events in real life, and tracks the findings through data.
3. All activities are carried out with the assistance of Rizoom’s project manager, team of mentors and experts in the field, and conclude with a publication of the research findings and public presentation in December.

How to apply:

The selection will take place in 2 rounds.

1st Round — Application

Applications are submitted via submission form on our website and will include:

• CV
• Motivation: written text (max. 1 A4 PDF) or a short video (max 5 minutes).
• Deadline for this application is 1st December 2025 at 23:59

In your written or video motivation submission, we want to learn:

• Why you’re interested in this program
• An example of your previous work or experience that successfully gathered a young audience for an art or music event
• Examples of your skills and strengths that you feel would best contribute to the research and its goals
• An example of a program/format that you find most attractive for yourself and your peers

2nd Round — Interviews

A shortlist of candidates will be invited to an interview with a small selection committee, made of Rizoom’s partners, in the second week of December 2025 (exact date will be communicated to candidates directly).

*If you are unsure about this criterium (or any other), email and ask! For any questions about your application or Rizoom, you can email us or come talk to us in person during the Rizoom networking event on November 15th afternoon, in Den Bosch. Register for this event and get your invitation, or ask your questions via info@rizoom.net.