Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam Welcomes Vincent van Velsen as New Head of Exhibitions
Eye Filmmuseum has announced a significant leadership change, with Vincent van Velsen taking on the role of Head of Exhibitions starting February 1, 2025. This transition marks a new chapter for the prominent Amsterdam institution. Long-serving Director of Exhibitions, Jaap Guldemond, will move into the newly created position of Founding Director of the Eye Art Collection. The official announcement detailing these changes is available here.
Van Velsen brings extensive experience from the art world. Since 2021, he served as Curator of Contemporary Art and Photography at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, where he managed the museum's collection and curated several solo exhibitions, including those for Anne Imhof, Nan Goldin, Ellen Gallagher, and Nora Turato. His independent curatorial work has also seen him organize exhibitions at various venues across the Netherlands, such as Nest The Hague, TENT Rotterdam, and Het Hem. His background encompasses art and architectural history, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary visual culture.
New Vision for Film and Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam
In his new role at Eye Filmmuseum, Vincent van Velsen will lead the Exhibitions department, collaborating with the team and managing director to shape the artistic direction for the future. His mandate includes expanding on Eye Filmmuseum's acclaimed exhibition program and fostering deeper collaborations with other institutions, departments, and guest curators. Visitors can anticipate his influence on upcoming exhibitions, including a presentation by Eye Prize winner Garrett Bradley (starting June 14) and another dedicated to Tilda Swinton (from September 28).
Jaap Guldemond's Legacy and Future Role at Eye
Jaap Guldemond, who has steered Eye's exhibition policy since 2012, will hand over his management responsibilities while remaining a pivotal figure at the museum. Over his tenure, Guldemond developed a distinctive and high-profile approach to exhibiting film and the moving image, positioning Eye as a leading international venue for groundbreaking cinematic art. He has curated over forty exhibitions, featuring celebrated artists and filmmakers such as Béla Tarr, Ryoji Ikeda, Saodat Ismailova, Francis Alÿs, and William Kentridge, significantly contributing to the museum's global recognition.
In his new capacity as Founding Director of the Eye Art Collection, Guldemond will focus on researching and developing a specific art collection for Eye, complementing its existing film collection. This initiative aims to leverage his extensive network and expertise at the intersection of film and visual art. Eye is also exploring a potential collaboration with LIMA, a platform for digital art, regarding conservation and research in this field. Guldemond is also working on a publication detailing the evolution and significance of Eye's exhibition policy from 2012 to 2026, and he is scheduled to curate his farewell exhibition in autumn 2026.
This leadership transition at Eye Filmmuseum signals an exciting period of continuity and innovation, promising enriching experiences for visitors interested in film, art, and visual culture in Amsterdam. To discover more about cultural offerings and museums, you can explore Musemap (musemap.art) or find other museums in the area.
