Introduction
Rotterdam is brimming with creative talent
Art has the power to shape the world. Designers, architects, visual artists, storytellers, theatre makers, musicians, performing artists, and educators in these fields – all contribute in unique ways to addressing today’s complex societal challenges and giving shape to an interconnected and inclusive world. Their creative vision is essential to transforming the complexity of contemporary life.
Willem de Kooning Academy, the academy for Art and Design in Rotterdam, has recognized this potential for our region. The school is expanding its curriculum with higher educational art and design programs that best fit the needs of the diverse city culture of Rotterdam.
Our mission
Stichting Hierdoor tot Hoger is founded with the aim to support projects that accelerate this development. More specifically, the foundation supports projects that help:
Break down existing social or economic barriers that prevent local students from pursuing higher education in the arts.
Build a local corporate network around the academy to demonstrate the relevance and impact of innovative thinking and creative work.
Support us
Hierdoor tot Hoger Foundation is looking for benefactors who want to facilitate learning and collaboration and to promote the development of creative talent in Rotterdam. Your contribution can be structural or one-off.
ANBI status, tax-effective giving
Hierdoor tot Hoger Foundation has ANBI status which offers opportunities to enter a multi-year commitment.
Network
Hierdoor tot Hoger
network
The creative industries is an economic top sector, where creativity is a key value for entrepreneurs. Through this network, we aim to offer Rotterdam-based entrepreneurs and organisations a fresh approach.
We will do this by organising energising meetups that positively and critically challenge your (personal) leadership. In 2026, we will launch a network for corporate members.
About the foundation
About the Hierdoor tot Hoger Foundation
History
Hierdoor tot Hoger Foundation has a long founding history.
In 1753, a group of creatives founded the drawing society Hierdoor tot Hooger. Their mission was to provide young people with better education in drawing, enabling them to deliver higher quality craftmanship as tradespeople. The founders expanded their network by organising evenings where artworks were viewed and discussed with fellow artists and entrepreneurs.
In 1851, the society became part of the Association of Fine Arts and Technical Sciences.
This eventually evolved into the Willem de Kooning Academy, which is now part of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences.
The mission from the early days remains unchanged. It continues to be the motivating force behind Hierdoor tot Hoger Foundation.
Rotterdam brims with the imaginative power of the arts. Creativity and diversity are fundamental to the fabric of our city.
About the academy
About the Willem de Kooning Academy
The art university in Rotterdam is a nurturing ground for talent driven by creativity.
The art academy in Rotterdam is a nurturing ground for talent
driven by curiosity and creativity. Graduates offer new creative
solutions for innovation across a wide range of sectors and
industries, in the Rotterdam Delta and far beyond.
Find out more about the Academy at
www.wdka.nl
(opens in new window)
Board
Who are we?
According to the foundation’s statutes, the board consists of a chair, a secretary, and a treasurer. In addition, one of the board members serves as the contact point for external relations, while two other members are responsible for maintaining the relationship with Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Willem de Kooning Academy, respectively.
The board members of Hierdoor tot Hoger serve on a voluntary basis and do not receive any compensation for their efforts on behalf of the foundation.
Contact information
The board is composed as follows:
Contact
We’re here to help. Please let us know who you’d like to reach.
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