After several months of preparing for the new platform Buro Broedplaatsen, in collaboration with Stroom, Haagse Broedplaatsen is happy to introduce and welcome the new Creative Initiatives Broker (Broedplaatsmakelaar) – Bram Heijkers. Starting from this month, Bram will act as the key connector between creatives, policymakers, and real estate stakeholders focusing is on strengthening The Hague’s creative infrastructure from within the Buro Broedplaats,

We asked Bram for a small introduction. Please find his text below.

In 1997, after studying Cultural Studies, I moved from Maastricht to The Hague. There, I worked for six years as a civil servant in Major Cities Policy and subsequently for twelve years at knowledge centers KEI and Platform31 on urban development. In 2016, I started working as a city maker at I’M BINCK in The Hague’s Binckhorst, where I worked for six years from a studio in De Besturing. And since 2021, I organized over eighty STADgesprekken (City Conversations) for Platform STAD throughout The Hague.

I grew up surrounded by a lot of creativity, tools, wood, clay, and art books. My father who was a crafts teacher and a grandmother-in-law with an art gallery in Maastricht always stimulated my creativity. I gained experience with the combination of culture and space as a board member of Hotel Transvaal and as an actor and location scout for The Hague’s oldest drama association ADO/DVS. As I write this on June 23, I have been married to fellow student Danielle for exactly 26 years. I also love chocolate, bright colors, and good theatrical texts.

As Broedplaatsmakelaar, I work on the implementation of The Hague’s Broedplaatsenbeleid, connecting makers, incubator initiatives, the municipality, and real estate parties, and organizing thematic meetings and networking activities. I am very much looking forward to using my experience, knowledge, and extensive network to create more vibrant and creative incubators in The Hague!