VONK 2025 transformed Fort de Batterijen into a large-scale immersive light art landscape.
As artistic lead, Lotte curated the route and creative direction, while LotteZ Productions assisted the technical base to ensure a reliable and engaging visitor experience.
Video: Vincent van den Brink -> Watch the complete aftermovie with audio here
‘Underground Whispers’ by Tessel Schmidt & Judth Hofland. Photo: Rene van den Brandt 2025
‘Verbinding’ by Bart Ensing. Photo: Vincent van den Brink 2025
‘Laterna Mechanica’ by Tjarco Design x Houtens. Photo: Vincent van den Brink 2025
VONK originated in 2021 during the first COVID-19 lockdown. It began as a joint initiative between LotteZ and Theater Aan de Slinger to provide a spark of joy for the residents of Houten.
At a time when the theatre and creative sectors faced significant challenges, VONK served as a vital platform to keep professionals working and offered recent art graduates a necessary space to exhibit their work when traditional venues were closed.
The first edition in 2021 was a sold-out success, followed by a well-visited second edition in 2023.
That year tested our resilience: after a hurricane nearly derailed the event, the team successfully restored the installations to continue the festival from the fourth day onward.
The 2025 edition marked our most significant growth yet, further solidifying the festival as a biannual event.
For this edition, Lotte served as artistic lead and curator for the light art route.
Lotte developed the concept ‘Wilde Orde,’ a framework exploring the tension between chaotic growth and the precise, recurring patterns found in natural systems.
Lotte curated 24 artworks, selecting pieces that prioritize visitor participation.
As a company David and Lotte also provided technical production support to ensure these installations remained reliable within the challenging outdoor environment of the fort, as well as mentoring students from the Cals Technasium for their ‘Fractal Frontiers‘ educational project.
Building on this momentum, starting in 2026, VONK will expand to include satellite locations in the city centres of Houten and Nieuwegein, as well as both partner theatres.
These smaller events (vonkjes) bring light and participatory art closer to the public through ongoing educational and collaborative projects.
We very much cherish our close partnership with Theater Aan de Slinger. This collaboration connects us with our local community and a network of national and international artists, providing consistent inspiration.
As we prepare for the next major festival edition in 2027, we continue to bridge the gap between high-level conceptual art and technical execution.
‘Melting’ by Gertjan Adema x Houtens. Photo: Vincent van den Brink 2025