We WILL GAIN new artistic territories
interventions — curatioN — take-overs
Mission
United Cowboys is a collective of international artists under the guidance of a dedicated artistic team. Inspired by a variety of art forms, United Cowboys creates multidisciplinary performances,on the border of dance, performance music, video and installation art, that can be viewed around the globe.
“Art is overwhelmingly important is the process of innovation and redefinition of cultural context, because it uses tools as imagination, wonder, beauty and truth; tools of all times, all people and of all cultures.”
Over the last 30 years we have initiated a large number of initiatives and performances to research similarities and differences in the arts.
Our objective is to contribute to long-term collaborations between countries in Europe. We believe that a combination of creation, participation and presentation has the strength to take away obstacles, prejudice, fear and restraint in a larger context.
With this combination we aim for a more intensive, mutual yield. Not only presenting work, but also involving local artists and the audience, by communication, discussion and being part of the working process.
The outcomes of these collaborations could have an influence on policymakers in the sense of thinking more cross-over, thinking in meanings of art on a larger scale; in a broader geographical context and in transboundary criteria.
Artistic Directors
The Artistic Directors, Maarten van der Put (Visual Artist) and Pauline Roelants (Choreographer), along with a local and international group of artists, develop and produce performances that portray the truthfulness of the human, its physical purity and the possibility to create an entirely new reality.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
““We explore unique environments, and investigate the fine lines between generosity and exhibitionism. We challenge our audience by asking it to take responsibility in decision-making, and therefore crafting their own individual experiences.” –Pauline & Maarten”
Both, Pauline and Maarten, create their own performance-sets based on their individual skills, expertise and with a binding vision on performance and art. In discussion with each other, these works are the starting point for all artistic choices and projects.
Creative Producer
Since the end of 2022 Peer Roosen has joined United Cowboys. They will be working as creative producer and will support the organisation in general. Peer has a passion for the Arts and has been searching for ways to be able to put their skills to use in the performance and arts sector. Their broad background and experience, together with their enthusiastic energy will hopefully help United Cowboys to accomplish their goals.
International Project Coordinator
Since the beginning of 2017 Ulla Havenga has been supporting United Cowboys in the international communication and programming. Her design background and international experience in the performing arts sector, paired with her passion for performance and fine arts, make her a valuable member of United Cowboys and the company's future international collaborations.
BOARD MEMBERS
President: Joep Smeets
Secretary: Diana Franssen
Treasurer: Erik-Jan Vlek
Member: Sietske Aussems
Member: Suzan Winkels- Koerselman
COLLABORATING ARTISTS
Florence Martina (CL), Hanne Schillemans (BE), Marti Guëll Vallbona (ES), Anni Kaila (FI)
Wilhelm Blomberg (FI), Jef Stevens (BE), Sarah Bostoen (BE), Chris van der Weide (NL)
Sophy Ribrault (FR), Lucie Petrusova (CZ), Evelyne Rossie (BE) Conor Doherty (IR)
Yonel Castilla Serrano (CU), Pauline Roelants (NL), Blazej Jasinski (PL), Jenna Kasatkina (RU) Eulàlia Bergadà Serra (ES), Eleni Ploumi (GR), Sam Scheuermann (NL) Evangelos Biskas V (GR) Violeta Vitanova (BU), Johan Reijnders (NL), Izah Hankammer (FIL/DE)
Joss Carter (UK), Magda Tuka (PL), Anna Nilsson (SE), Alina Belyagina (RU), Reinaldo Ribeiro (BR), Jef Stevens (BE), Wessel Verrijt (NL)
List of creations
Untitled (Cowboys) (1992), Blue Peter (1993), Point Blank (1994), Angel (1995), Amok (1995), No Way (1996), Its me (1998), Say no More (1999), Error (2001), Dripping (2001), Incidents of Light (2002), Mansized (2002), Believer (2003), Boy XL (2004), To be Continued (2005), Please don’t touch the Parrot (2006), Lust for Life (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009), Two time Soft (2007), The Passenger (2007), One Eighty (2008), Boogie Nights (2008), Who Cycle (2009), Who TOO (2010), Negen Nieuwe Naakten (2011), Apology (2011), Who Final (2012), Seasoning (2013- present), Burn (2014 - present), Figures That Wander (2014), Stand Alone (2015), Eternal idol (2016), Appearance (2016), This is not a sad Song (2016), New Appearance (2016), Match (2017), In a Way (2017), Silence the Blood (2018), In Case (2018), The New Piece (2019), This Hurts More Than It Used To Do (2020), Reminition Swanlake (2021), The Body as Reference for Revolution (2022), The Nutcracker (2023), Resilience (2023), Speechless Speech (2023)
The series of Nude Studies is now consisting of a menu of 15 performances and still growing.
The Nude Studies have been performed in the following countries: Holland, Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, Canada
The Biotopes have been performed in the following countries: Holland- Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Tilburg, Breda, France - Paris, Spain - Barcelona, Germany - Cologne, Czech Republic - Olomouc, Poland - Katowice, Bulgaria - Sofia
Since 2014 there have been 20 editions of Seasoning – a quarterly event showing new developments in live-art.
United Cowboys is a member of the following initiatives:
PLAN: TALENT HUB BRABANT
IETM - International Network for Contemprary Performing Arts
Kunst van Brabant
AIR Brabant (Artists in residence)
United Cowboys WAS NOMINATED BY:
EINDHOVEN CULTUURPRIJS 2019 & 2020
United Cowboys, registered as Stichting Tegentijd under number 41090525, has an ANBI Status granted by the dutch TAX service (belastingdienst). Please consider a donation or sponsorship.
