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About Harco Rutgers

Please read about what it is that I do, some recommendations by others (via LinkedIn) or just download my cv.
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Although I once graduated in interior architecture and furniture design at the art academy, I now work in a broad creative field, combining many different disciplines and skillsets – including whatever I can find in my vast network – to create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.

For me, art is primarily a way to engage others and myself. To accomplish this best, I develop and combine my expertise and skills in many different area’s and readily explore new territory if needed.

In design I focus on a variety of objects and media, ranging from (handcrafted) furniture and other 3D objects to album covers, posters, logo’s and websites. My comfort zone is the grey area between art and design.

When designing for the web I can offer the best of two worlds; I look at a website from a designer point of view ánd from a developer point of view, which is a rare combination. Design and code are equally important to me. I’m experienced in communication & marketing for the cultural/music/arts sector and will use this knowledge to your advantage, if you let me. I often collaborate with other artists, designers or developers when needed.

Some links to other websites I’m very closely related to: Esc.rec. is my own record label and platform for adventurous music, also home of the Ass-crack Stage-hack and The Diamond Exchange. WILLIE is an artists’ initiative, venue, exhibition space and bar; the number one cultural hangout in Deventer. I enjoy initiating and organizing events with this fine collective of creative professionals. Havenkwartier Deventer is the place where I work (and live).

For both WILLIE and Havenkwartier Deventer I’m also the resident communication & marketing specialist. Preparation of communication strategies, writing and sending press releases and newsletters, editing websites, social media management, maintaining contacts with related institutions and the press. I even meddle with local politics too, when needed. For Havenkwartier Deventer my focus is on cultural and art-related activity only. For anything related to the development projects in the area, the municipality of Deventer has it’s own communication team, with whom I work closely.

I sometimes get invited as a guest curator for exhibitions or festivals. For me these projects function as umbrellas which allow me to convincingly combine and explore several (or all) areas of my expertise.

Since 2010 I am a certified Kunstenaarcoach, catalyst in improvement of creative climate and innovation processes in businesses.

I have been DJ-ing since 1992. Some years ago I started using the Cette Truc moniker for my DJ activities.

Occasionally I advise (art/music related) institutions, companies and individuals on communication strategies and the use of social media. I also occasionally write articles or reviews for other weblogs, mostly about music (industry), art or design.

This website mainly documents my own work, but also functions as an outlet for other interests sometimes. Feel free to browse the archives and leave comments. If you wish to buy or commission my work, or have any other questions, please contact me.

Do you want more detailed information? Please download my complete cv below or contact me directly.

“I know Harco most of all as an expert on sound art in particular and music in general. He combines this knowledge with organizational skills, a vast network, an active attitude, indepandant thinking, reliability and most of all: great passion. This has already led to an enormous list of activities (such as a record label, art-projects, music festivals etc.); a list that undoubtedly will continue growing in the near future. His professionalism and personality(!) are invigorating; working with Harco almost feels like a privilege.”
Koen Bril, coördinator Kunstenlab
“I've had the pleasure to contribute to Harco's ass-crack stage-hack events as a caterer. During these collaborations I've seen wonderful musicians perform, but most importantly come to know Harco as a dedicated, driven professional organiser and an allround nice guy. He is a music publisher, and also a great visual artist, designer and creator of experimental furniture. A true universal man.”
Jean Klare, graphic designer, Atlas van de Belevingswereld
“Harco is een gedreven kunstenaar die in staat is om een enorme hoeveelheid informatie in korte tijd te verwerken en in bruikbare pakketjes terug te geven op een positief-kritische en onbevangen manier. Toen hij als Kunstenaarcoach voor mij werkte, gebruikte ik hem als klankbord voor mijn ideeën en besprak ik met hem mijn lange termijn strategie. Dit scherpte mij enorm, vooral omdat hij niet in het werkveld was ingevoerd, maar er wel direct de grote lijnen uit wist te pikken. Feilloos spoorde hij de zwakke plekken in mijn redenatie op en kwam hij met oplossingen. Ik denk met groot plezier terug aan deze gesprekken.”
Hans Kostense, Energiekracht BV
“Ik heb een traject Kunstenaarcoach met Harco Rutgers afgerond. Harco is een goede luisteraar en kan in de gesprekken op de juiste zaken vragen stellen waardoor nieuwe inzichten ontstaan. Zonder Harco was ik zeker niet zo ver gekomen en zeker niet zo snel. Indien je nieuwe inzichten nodig hebt of nieuwe inspiratie in je werk dan is het zeer zeker aan te raden een traject met een kunstenaarcoach te starten. Harco Rutgers kan hierbij uitstekend en professioneel helpen.”
Christina Lintsen, Pitchies, Sterk Management
“Harco heeft in CBKApeldoorn de tentoonstelling OntBos samengesteld. De opdracht was om een expositie samen te stellen waarbinnen Apeldoornse kunstenaars op sterke manier zichtbaar zouden zijn. Harco heeft een uitstekende selectie gemaakt. Hij is tevens verantwoordelijk voor de inrichting en de vormgeving van de catalogus en het bijbehorende beeldmerk. Het was een goede samenwerking op het gebied van inhoud, vormgeving en planning!”
Guido de Vries, coördinator CBKApeldoorn, project manager
“Harco is a detailed, organized designer with a highly creative mind who designed and made a beautiful interior for my shop.”
Claire Bolt, Bebolt