Emily Ansenk appointed Director of Eye Filmmuseum

Ansenk succeeds Bregtje van der Haak, who left the museum last April. Interim Director John Middelweerd will continue in the role until Ansenk’s arrival.

Emily Ansenk’s appointment marks the beginning of a sparkling new period for Eye. The financial forecast for 2026 looks promising, thanks in part to the great success of The Odyssey on 70mm.

Eye is the custodian of a unique film collection, as well as an internationally renowned venue that welcomes a wide, diverse audience to discover and celebrate film art and culture in all its myriad forms. This role as an institute encompasses film screenings and exhibitions (programming), heritage management (collection, restoration and conservation, research), education and international activities.

Career

Emily Ansenk studied Art History at Utrecht University. Her wide-ranging experience in the cultural and museum sector started with her appointment as Director of the Scheringa Museum for Realist Art (1996-2008, previously the Frisia Museum). She was responsible for the development of a new, privately owned museum and became familiar with all aspects of museum operations.

As Director of Kunsthal Rotterdam (2008-2019), Ansenk further expanded her expertise as a manager and curator within the iconic Rotterdam cultural institution. Ansenk and her staff initiated new methods for exhibition, audience participation, education, marketing and fundraising; exhibitions such as The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier, Viktor & Rolf and Street Dreams: How Hiphop Took over Fashion attracted huge numbers of visitors.

In 2019, Ansenk spread her wings again, becoming General Director of the Holland Festival in Amsterdam, where she was responsible for the strategy and the general and artistic policy. Under Ansenk’s stewardship, the festival – founded in 1947 – became more diverse and accessible, and attracted new (younger) audiences. The large-scale film installation Euphoria by Julian Rosefeldt in the Centrale Markthal (2023) was the subject of enormous attention. Joining up art, audiences and the societal environment is the common thread running through Ansenk’s career in art and culture.

In addition, Emily Ansenk has been a member of the Supervisory Board of the National Maritime Museum Amsterdam and holds a number of ancillary positions, such as chair of the Supervisory Board of Brutus Art Space in Rotterdam and a board member at Ron Mandos Young Blood Foundation. She was also an (accredited) participant in the Getty Leadership Institute programme at Claremont University, Los Angeles.

Emily Ansenk:

‘Eye is a unique international institute with a renowned film collection and two fantastic buildings offering a host of possibilities. I am looking forward immensely to bringing my experience to use and making a positive contribution to the artistic course, strategy, and tackling the challenges facing Eye. I can’t wait to get to work with this highly committed team. At the same time, I’m proud of what we have achieved during the past 7.5 years with the team at the Holland Festival, and I would like to thank everyone I’ve worked with over the years for the confidence shown, the pleasure, and the inspiration gained.’

Marjet van Zuijlen, chair of the Supervisory Board:

‘The Supervisory Board is very happy with Emily Ansenk’s appointment. In her, Eye is choosing a director with artistic and business seniority, and with an appreciation of Eye’s prestigious collection, rich programming and diverse audiences. Ansenk is tried and tested in the cultural arena at city, national and international levels; more than this, she’s a pleasant, open and robust personality and a fitting figurehead for Eye.’