Tosca van der Weerden (Toscanabanana) is a feminist illustrator, muralist and lecturer in entrepreneurship at the St. Joost Academy of Art and former Next Talent. Her studio is based at BOHAUS: Breda’s queer feminist clubhouse.
As a self-employed artist, she works on a wide range of commissions, passion projects and collaborations. Although juggling so many different things can sometimes be overwhelming, she wouldn’t have it any other way! Her greatest fear: an office job where every day is the same.
Marlies Visser is a graphic designer, art director and illustrator. She designed many covers (music/books). She wrote and illustrated books she is the founder of the Illustration Biennial (a festival for illustrators, designers, clients, students and lovers of graphic art) and director of the Illustration Embassy. Her work and idea’s adapt in many forms, from books to 3D prints and with Nomizo, a philosophy boardgame.
The Illustration Embassy is a place where the power of visual language takes centre stage. It offers a platform dedicated to the art of illustration, with a particular focus on exhibitions, participation and education for both creators and viewers. By providing a central hub for knowledge and information, it raises the profile of the sector.
Paulien Mandos is the manager of the Next Talent Program. She is specialised in: film and culture, talent development for filmmakers, marketing communications, strategic communications & project management – always working for and alongside creators. She has 25 years’ experience with an international network of creators from all artistic disciplines. Paulien helps creators to professionalise their practice and reach the right audience.
