Jules van Iperen
Tilburg, April 11, 2025, The Supervisory Board of Schouwburg & Concertzaal Tilburg (S&CT) has appointed Anna Bouwman as the new managing director. She succeeds Rob van Steen, who has dedicated his time, passion for the profession, and love for the city to this role for fourteen years. With her extensive experience and strong vision for the performing arts, Bouwman will further shape and strengthen the strategy of S&CT toward 2028.
A new phase for S&CT
By 2028, S&CT aims to be a vibrant cultural hub, a national example of how a theater and concert hall can reinvent itself and position itself in the city. Bouwman's leadership and strategic insight perfectly align with this ambition. Her experience in cultural entrepreneurship, innovation, and building strong networks will contribute to achieving the goal of welcoming 300,000 visitors annually. We expect that S&CT, under her leadership, will play an even greater role in the city – in good collaboration with other cultural institutions in Tilburg – with an accessible and representative program that is both adventurous and captivating for all residents of Tilburg and the region.
Connection with the city and audience
“I look forward to getting started at S&CT,” says Bouwman. “The theater is the place for inspiration and connection in this vibrant city. A free space where art, culture, and society strengthen each other. We will shape that space together! Through the stories told here, on stage and in the City Café, we ignite the imagination. From young talent to renowned creators, for the experienced fan to the curious newcomer.”
An important part of that connection with the city is Boove & Benee, the welcoming city café in the heart of the theater. Bouwman sees this as an opportunity to be accessible to every resident of Tilburg, tourists, and businesses. “The city café is for and by the city. A meeting place, not only for theater and concert visitors but also for students, entrepreneurs, and Tilburgers who want to experience the dynamics of S&CT.”
The Supervisory Board of S&CT, the management team, the Works Council, and Rob van Steen are pleased with her appointment. Chairman Hans-Georg van Liempd explains: “Anna is an enthusiastic leader with broad experience and a big heart for culture and an innovative vision for the future of S&CT. We are confident that she will lead S&CT into an inspiring next phase.”
Anna Bouwman will begin her new role on July 1, 2025. The team of S&CT looks forward to collaborating and further developing the organization under her leadership.