After the temporary Steering Committee, the Advisory Board has been appointed and installed. An interview with chair Arda Gerkens and an introduction to the five board members.
Youssef Louakili, Director-General of Culture and Media at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, welcomes the new committee: 'Last year, the Steering Committee further developed the CIIIC programme with all partners. The first calls have been opened. Now the Advisory Board takes over with the important task of monitoring the programme's progress and coherence. With great confidence in the expertise of the members, I look forward to a good collaboration, so that the sector capitalises on the great opportunities for IX.'
With great confidence in the expertise of the members, I look forward to a good collaboration, so that the sector capitalises on the great opportunities for IX.
Interview with Arda Gerkens, Chair of the Advisory Board
What will be the precise task of the chair?
'I am an independent chair and my role is to ensure the advisory board reaches its full potential. I will continuously invite the committee to take up its informing, signalling and advisory role.'
Why did you say 'yes' to this role?
'When I saw the vacancy, I was immediately captivated by the theme. Given my background — eighteen years as a member of parliament, always dealing with the dark side of the digital world — I thought I could add value and learn from this world myself.'
How do you view digital tolerance?
'The biggest risk of new technologies is that we act before we think. People see development opportunities with great enthusiasm, but often forget to include public values. The art is to let public values and innovation go hand in hand.'
The biggest risk of new technologies is that we act before we think.
What attracts you to immersive technology?
'The creative industry runs like a red thread through my life. I love pioneering, preferably in a creative way — that comes together here.'
Which developments are essential to strengthen?
'Immersive goes much further than ordinary data collection when it comes to privacy. The data extends to people's bodies or even brains. But we can make privacy by design the standard for immersive — that can even become a unique selling point.'
We can make privacy by design the standard for immersive — that can even become a unique selling point.
What is your dream for IX?
'IX is a voyage of discovery. I boarded this ship precisely to be surprised.'
When will your chairmanship be successful?
'When, in five years, we can look back with pride on a constructive period with satisfied stakeholders.'
The members of the Advisory Board
In addition to chair Arda Gerkens, the Advisory Board consists of five members with diverse expertise.
Joost Raessens — Professor of Media Theory, Utrecht University. Research.
Gert-Jan Brok — CEO inMotion VR. Makers.
Femke Hameetman — Artistic Director, Dordrechts Museum. Applicators.
Matthieu Worm — President Virtual Worlds Association / Siemens. International.
Gyzlene Kramer-Zeroual — Programme Director ROC Albeda. Education.
Together they monitor the progress, quality and coherence of the CIIIC programme.