Equipped with a solid background in economics and a passion for art, Erasmus alumna Aylin Beijersbergen operates at the intersection of policy, culture, and sustainability. As a policy advisor at the Museum Association, she works on climate awareness and partnerships within the museum world, and as an ambassador for the European Climate Pact, she brings sustainability in art and culture to the attention of the EU. We spoke with her about her experiences in the cultural sector and the importance of imagination.
During her bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Economics (IBEB) at Erasmus University, Beijersbergen discovered her love for cultural economics through a minor. "It was about the monetary value of art and cultural organisations from a business perspective. We visited the National Glass Museum and an art fair, among other places—I found it truly amazing to see behind the scenes."
After completing her bachelor's degree, she decided to pursue a master's degree in Cultural Economics & Entrepreneurship. However, not everyone was immediately convinced that this was a good idea. "The admissions committee said, 'You might find it difficult because you don't have a cultural background.' But that turned out to be my strength. I believe the cultural sector should not be treated fundamentally differently from other sectors."
The Importance of Practical Experience
Even during her master's studies, Beijersbergen worked part-time at a museum, an auction house, an art gallery, and a corporate collection. "I deliberately spread my master's degree over two years. This allowed me to explore and gain a lot of practical knowledge. And it helped because as soon as I graduated, I could start working immediately as a private fundraiser for the National Opera & Ballet."
Although this was a valuable experience, she found that her talent lay more in policy development. On LinkedIn, she came across a vacancy at the Museum Association, where she has been working as a policy advisor since 2023. "One of my main portfolios is sustainability and climate. This is not just about building management but also about the question: who do you work with? Who can sponsor you? I know from my experience as a fundraiser how that world works."
"The impact of art does not stop at the museum door."
Culture as a Catalyst
Beijersbergen advocates for a holistic approach to sustainability policy in which culture is seen not only as a goal but also as a means. "Cultural institutions are indispensable for well-being, the local economy, social cohesion, and behavioural change. We currently face major challenges, such as climate change, and for this, we desperately need the imagination of the cultural sector. It requires a significant shift in mindset and behaviour from every Dutch person, and to achieve this, you need to touch people's hearts. But how do you do that? With art and culture! Jan Rotmans beautifully calls this 'the undercurrent as a source of hope.' Art is part of the powerful and hopeful undercurrent that can touch the chaotic surface. The undercurrent contains positive energy, and there is a greater need for this than ever."
She also convinces policymakers of this, among other things, as an ambassador for the European Climate Pact. She points not only to the measurable effects but also to the subtle power of culture. "Art can move people," she states. "Not through abstract graphs, but by stimulating their imagination. That's where real behavioural change begins. For example, after an exhibition on food production at the Maritime Museum, I saw how my friend more often chose vegetarian options. That is the impact art can have: it doesn't stop at the museum door."
Career Advice: Take Your Time
For recent alumni still finding their place in the cultural world, she has the following advice: "Go on a journey of discovery. You don't have to follow a straight path to your dream job. Work part-time during your studies, have coffee with people in the sector. There is currently a lot of turnover due to an ageing workforce, so there is room for fresh, critical perspectives. If you have a passion for culture and a healthy analytical mind, this is a great time to get started!"
