Mark van der Jagt: 'Introducing children to a different world'

Organizer, presenter, and DJ. Mark van der Jagt is a jack-of-all-trades. A cultural entrepreneur, passionate about children. He's been involved with the Cruyff Courts for a long time and is now active as the producer of Cultuur@CruyffCourts in Beverwijk and Heemskerk. "To offer something, to stir something, to touch something. That's the goal. Through cultural activities—and that can be very broad—to awaken in children a desire to learn more. That's wonderful. It requires a good program, good execution, good guidance, and above all, the time and space to connect. To connect with the target group. That's my challenge."

Mark van der Jagt (left): 'Introducing children to another world'

Mark van der Jagt actually comes from the sports world. "It's striking. Throw a ball into the group and it doesn't take long for someone to start playing. Put a guitar in the middle and it's quiet for a long time. That has to do with unfamiliarity. Making music, dancing, singing; it's vulnerable. You're really putting yourself on a stage. That can feel unsafe. That takes some getting used to for many children. Culture isn't offered to every child at home. It's often a barrier to entering an 'elite arts center.'

So I bring culture to them. This way they can get to know it and get used to it. That's why I always look for a program that's a mix of familiar and unfamiliar. Rapping and musical singing. Playing the baritone sax and breakdancing. Visual arts and belly dancing. I always hope to tap into a talent in everyone. That a child is captivated by something. Through music, dance, theater, or creating a work of art. That offering accessible activities is a first introduction to something new. That afterward, they feel the need to learn more, to take a course. That's what I always aim for.

Accessible and local

Cultuur@CruyffCourts is a collaboration between the Johan Cruyff Foundation and the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture. The goal is to offer local cultural activities on courts that are already frequently used for accessible sports. The municipality, primary schools, neighborhood coaches, social services, and various cultural institutions often participate as well. Mark van der Jagt: "Here in the region, I work closely with the Cultural Center in Heemskerk and the Center for the Arts in Beverwijk. They know the neighborhood, have local teachers, and can offer activities that are relevant here. Activities that connect with local needs. Activities that are at the heart of the neighborhood, and serve as role models for the children. It's very precise."

I know from experience as a DJ: it's all about tuning. Some music is a floor filler, other numbers are floorkillersYou have to sense that. So you have to connect with the target audience. So, before putting together a program, I listen carefully to and talk with the target audience. What's going on? What are they working on? What resonates and what dies. Something that was very successful, for example, was creating a piece of art together. A piece that will remain on display at the Cruyff Court or be exhibited somewhere. Right now, we're making art from waste; pollution artThere's also a social message in that. We're talking about sustainability, about throwing things away and recycling.

Mix of activities

There are actually three important questions, says Mark. "The first is: who do I want to reach? Who is my target audience? The second is: Where can I reach them? And the last question is: How can I reach them? Once I've mapped all that out, I sit down with potential partners. And that's how we've been developing a varied cultural offering at the local Cruyff Courts for several years now. I want children to be able to experience something different every week. It always has to be a mix of different activities: music, dance, and visual arts. And it has to fit in with the regular, structured offerings of the organizations. This way, participants can easily transition to the weekly courses."

As far as I'm concerned, there should also be more shorter workshops, lasting three or four months, or even one-day courses. Instead of children having to commit to a club for a year. That's especially fitting for culture. Funding should be available for that. I even think it's justifiable that music or theater festivals should be covered for children whose parents can't afford them. Music or theater can profoundly change your life and trigger something that inspires you and introduces you to a different world.

Numbers not so important

Currently, Mark van der Jagt can be found at the Cruyff Court every week. "One week 15 children come, the next 150. I don't think numbers are that important. I'm all about reaching the children who need this. Who wouldn't otherwise have access to it. I do it for those children. Last year, for example, 25 children in Beverwijk went on to the Center for the Arts, with their tuition paid by the Youth Fund. That's fantastic, of course. That's why I'm there every week. To make that connection, to forge that connection. To see which children I can help. Those who are inspired by something. Those who would like to go further."

And if it's difficult to pay at home, I can contact the school or an intermediary. Sometimes that's quite difficult. Poverty is a taboo subject. It's not always easy to discuss. Is my question relevant? How do you bring up this topic? It can take some getting used to. The language and the method can also be a barrier. But I always try to engage in conversation. Because I keep reaching out and looking for ways to engage and hopefully inspire as many children as possible!

Culture@CruyffCourts Beverwijk Programme

Culture@CruyffCourts Heemskerk Programme

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