Announcement of the selection committee – Passaasj Parkstad 2026

We are pleased to introduce the selection committee:

• Sanne Vaassen (Heerlen, 1991): visual artist
• Tyson Ernste (Heerlen, 1990): filmmaker and photographer
• Brigitta Santegoeds (Veghel, 1964): visual artist, teacher of visual arts and design, museum educator, and project leader for arts and culture at eldercare organization Sevagram
• Dean Kisters (Heerlen, 1996): photographer, graphic designer, filmmaker, and co-founder of Doka.Heerlen
• Niena Bocken (Geleen, 1982): originally an art therapist, now working in journalism and producing documentaries, podcasts, and video reports

Sanne Vaassen (Heerlen, 1991) is a visual artist. In her artistic practice, she explores fluid transitions of matter and phenomena such as the water cycle, the seasonal transformation of trees, and the evolution of language. Time and processes of change form a common thread in her work, which intersects with disciplines like ecology, geography, history, and anthropology. Her work has been shown nationally and internationally, including at 601 Artspace (New York), SALTS (Basel), and is currently on view at the Bonnefantenmuseum (Maastricht) and V&A Dundee (Scotland). She was also a resident at the Jan van Eyck Academie (2014–2015).

What Sanne looks for in the selection:

“For Passaasj Parkstad, I look for works that have a distinct voice and persuasive power, where concept, material, and execution come together. I value proposals that spark curiosity and explore the theme of ‘home’ in a layered or personal way.”

Tyson Ernste (Heerlen, 1990) is a Dutch filmmaker and photographer with a distinctive cinematic visual language. His work sits at the intersection of art and visual storytelling and is characterized by a mysterious, poetic, and sometimes raw aesthetic. He creates carefully constructed visual narratives in which atmosphere, identity, and emotion are central. His images often convey a sense of estrangement and longing, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. In 2015, he was selected as one of the Netherlands’ emerging visual artists, after which his work developed internationally across Europe and Asia.

What Tyson looks for in the selection:

“As a visual artist, I focus primarily on the expressive power of a work: does it evoke a feeling or story, linger in the mind, and carry a clear personal signature? I consider originality, visual language, and how the theme of ‘home’ is interpreted visually and conceptually — whether intimate, alienating, or confronting. Works that dare to speak, surprise, and open their own world hold the most expressive power for me.”

Brigitta Santegoeds (Veghel, 1964) is a visual artist, teacher of Fine Arts and Design and museum educator. She is also project leader for Art and Culture at the elderly care organization Sevagram. In her own visual work, nature plays a central role, as does social engagement. Brigitta was one of the artists who painted an elephant sculpture that has been part of Heerlen’s “Elephant Parade” in the city since 2011.

What Brigitta looks for in the selection:

“I pay attention to composition, use of materials, and originality. I look for work with a clear structure and a strong coherence between concept and execution. The overall impression must move me.”

Dean Kisters (Heerlen, 1996) studied photography at the Academy of Fine Arts in Maastricht. His work primarily focuses on photography, but he also explores other visual art forms, such as printmaking and film. He is co-founder of Doka.Heerlen, a workspace for analog photography. Dean: “The night is often the common thread in my work. At night, the city loses its clarity and its mental and physical state transforms.”

What Dean looks for in the selection:

“I want to be surprised during the selection! Composition, vision, and above all character are important to me. I hope participants dare to color outside the lines.”

Niena Bocken (Geleen, 1982) originally trained as a visual arts therapist, but about eight years ago she transitioned into journalism, making documentaries, podcasts, and video reports. Niena mainly works in the cultural sector and has a passion for people and things that often go unnoticed, or that tell quiet stories.

What Niena looks for:

“In the selection process, I will pay special attention to vulnerability, the story behind the work, and the courage embedded in it.”

100 works

The task of this selection committee is to choose 100 works from all submissions for Passaasj Parkstad. These works will be on display from 21 April to 17 May 2026 in the museum gallery of the Glaspaleis.