Nina Folkersma is an independent curator and art historian with a strong track record in developing ambitious, research-driven exhibitions and institutional programmes. Her work is characterised by an international perspective and a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting visual art with performance, film, and other time-based practices.
Trained at the University of Amsterdam, and following her completion of De Appel’s Curatorial Programme, she was part of the team for the Johannesburg Biennale (1997), working with Okwui Enwezor—an experience that proved formative for her ongoing engagement with practices from the Global South and diasporic perspectives.
In 2003, she founded Quarantine Series, an experimental platform for contemporary art in Amsterdam. From 2006 to 2009, she was curator at S.M.A.K. in Ghent, where she contributed to the museum’s international programme.
Since then, she has worked closely with leading Dutch institutions, including the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Amsterdam Museum, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Centraal Museum, Museum Kranenburgh, and Het Noordbrabants Museum. In these contexts, she has initiated and led complex projects that bring together artists, scholars, and diverse audiences, often engaging with themes such as intersectional feminism, historical narratives, and the continued relevance of Surrealism.
Her current work includes the development of a major exhibition (2027–2028) at Het Noordbrabants Museum, exploring the work of Leonora Carrington in dialogue with Hieronymus Bosch—an ambitious project that reflects her interest in rethinking art historical canons and activating them for contemporary audiences.
Alongside her curatorial practice, Folkersma is an experienced advisor and board member, with roles including the Dutch Council for Culture (Raad voor Cultuur) and Chair of ArtTable Nederland. She brings a strategic perspective on the role of cultural institutions within society, with a focus on inclusivity, critical engagement, and sustainable institutional development.