Erik is a designer, researcher and musician who is mainly interested in understanding and deconstructing the systems of society on a political, ecological, social or technological level. His practice is focused on speculative design, combining research and ficition. Erik loves having brunch with friends, the smell of rain on warm asphalt and losing track of time.

“As a designer I create space where we can discuss and reflect. I question, visualise, speculate, dream, reflect, connect, build and offer alternatives.” 

Graphic designer Esmée Dros focuses on telling stories (that need to be told) in her work. She researches how to create connections between imagery and meaning. She works in various forms, from designing figures in different colours for publications, to designing forms of conversation. Esmée is curious by nature. She loves the sun, going to the market and working with people from different disciplines.

“As a Detour Guide, I would like to use my design practice in order to create something small, together with visitors, so that they always go home with a self-made visual memory.”

Giovanni (he/they) is a multidisciplinary artist. Their creative process is translated to 3D objects, spatial design and also performance. Giovanni's favourite things are dancing, hugs, laughing and making other people laugh.

“I want visitors to experience an exhibition with more intention, by focusing more on their feelings.”

Joëlle is a huge fan of the visual arts. As well as being a passionate artist herself, she is also an art teacher and exhibition visitor and provides a home for a large collection of art books. Her favourite things are oranges, Iceland and Sushi, her cat.

“I like to take the visitor on a journey with the stories I tell. My goal is to make people feel enthusiastic and have them leave feeling satisfied with the experience.”

A “self-organising artist” is how Detour Guide Laura describes herself. She likes creating sculptures and working with textiles. Her studio, the autumn and changing into her pyjamas after getting home are a few of her favourite things.

“A Detour is more than looking, listening and reading. It is a moment when I can connect people to something or someone, teaching them to see more and gain more insight together.”

Maartje calls herself a ‘handicapped research-based designer’. In her work, and from her perspective as a maker, she looks at topics such as identity and the act of expressing it, and she researches intersectional feminism and queer/crip theory. She is also active within the community of people with disabilities. Maartje likes being in nature, beetles are her favourite insects and jasmine is her favourite kind of tea.

"I like to involve the personal in my Detours in order to questions what it is that makes us who we are together with visitors."

As a designer and artist from Rotterdam, Maurik focuses on the public domain in his work. Who owns the city? And to what degree can an individual add to this? The questioning and researching of (public) space is also something he infuses into his Detours. His favourite things are organising small events in his home, the sunset from his window and gardening.

“I want to stir up visitors’ sense of wonder and let them see things from a different perspective, bringing them into contact with new realms of experiences.”

The best way to describe Nathalie is to say that she is a creative caterpillar. From organising workshops where mind and body are put to work, to playing music at parties to dance to for hours... Nathalie can do anything. Her three favourite things are her daughter, food and adventure.

"The thing I enjoy most about what I do is that it can take you into all kinds of different directions and that you can make it as crazy as you want.”

Pia is a professional observer of everyday things. Thanks to her hypercurious attitude, she knows a little too much, and thanks to her background in art, she knows a little bit more. Her favourite things are peanut butter, interdimensional aliens, and amateurs.

“I walk in circles, I only walk in circles, I walk in circles for hours, I keep walking in circles, every circle is different.”

If you were to ask her directly, Detour Guide Wietske would describe herself as a curious creator looking for a connection with others. Her favourite way of finding this is by taking visitors along through a story. The way in which this takes place differs each time: through a performance, installation, (audio)tour, or something else. Her favourite things are strong stories, the sound of rain on your tent and the first cup of coffee in the morning.

“I would like to give visitors an experience by questioning our surroundings and thoughts collectively. This could help them see things in their environment differently than they usually do.”

In his work Winston focuses on film, concept development and research. For in-depth conversations on surveillance capitalism, feminist theories and social histories, Winston is the man of the hour. Not only can he talk about it, but he is also good at translating complicated theories to all audiences.  His favourite things are travelling with his daughters, doing research and striking up conversations with people around him.

“During a Detour I want to use the knowledge of the group and the knowledge of the exhibitions at Het Nieuwe Instituut to find and create connections together.”