Breaking barriers: Heleen Blanken on female mentorship in art
As highlighted in WOMEN Inc.'s research, breaking into the electronic music and arts industry is not an easy road. Behind-the-scenes roles are often linked to men, making it harder for women to step in. We sat down with renowned artist Heleen Blanken to discuss why (female) mentorship is crucial, the biggest obstacles young talent face, and her upcoming project together with us.
This year, together with ABN AMRO, we proudly introduce New Horizons, an immersive art and listening experience taking over the NDSM Warehouse on April 19th and 20th. For this first edition, artist Roos Janssen has been selected to create an immersive installation, mentored by Heleen Blanken. Their collaboration will be showcased throughout the festival.
Women in visual arts
Technical roles in visuals, scenography, lighting, and technology have been male-dominated for a long time. This means that some women feel as if they still have to work twice as hard to achieve the same. “It’s not that women aren’t interested in tech, we’re more into it than ever before”, Heleen tells us. It’s about ensuring that women in the field receive equal treatment and get paid equally.
A space for women
Bringing more women into the tech and art industries is still easier said than done. Luckily, progress is being made. Many festivals now follow the 50/50 rule, a crucial step forward. For Heleen, it’s not just about getting more women into the industry, it’s about creating a workspace where they feel safe, valued so they stay. “I don’t have all the insights to what is happening at the moment behind the scenes, but I think actively creating that space and guiding people in the right way is really important.”
A journey of immersion and transformation
Heleen hopes Roos felt it was a safe and inspiring process. "I didn’t want to interfere too much with her artwork, instead, I aimed to show her the possibilities.” The art piece that Heleen and Roos created together is a blend of immersion and transformation. It invites visitors to feel as though they've stepped into another realm, somewhere between the natural and the synthetic, the past and the future.
The impact of female mentorship
Female mentorship is vital in this industry, not just for guidance but for helping women feel they belong in a space where they can often feel isolated. Having someone who’s faced similar challenges can offer valuable perspective and open doors for younger women. “Reflecting on my own career, I wish I’d trusted my intuition sooner and stood firm in my choices, even if it meant losing opportunities. Now, I only work with people I trust. To young women starting in art, stay true to your vision, surround yourself with kind people, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Stay committed to your work, consistency matters more than a quick success. If you stay authentic to your ideas, your work will find its place.
By bringing these challenges to light, we hope to push festival organizations toward real change, creating equal opportunities and a more inclusive industry. We're thrilled to see the artistic creation of Heleen & Roos come together in April and invite you to immerse yourself in this experience, together.
