Stedelijk Museum's Blikopeners Program Empowers Teenagers as Museum Staff

The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam operates a youth engagement initiative called Blikopeners, which hires teenagers aged 15-19 as paid staff members. Launched in 2008, the program treats participants as coworkers with responsibilities including leading tours, planning events, and managing social media accounts. Three years ago, the museum granted Blikopeners full control over its TikTok account without requiring content approvals. An impact study from 2024 indicates that alumni often pursue careers in arts and culture, with many maintaining connections to the institution. The program was discussed by Youth Programme Coordinator Olmo Garcia Koel at the Museums & Public Programs Summit in 2025.