Over the years, we've collaborated with a broad range of guest curators, each bringing their unique perspectives to reinterpret works from LI-MA's collection. These curated programmes have explored diverse themes, from identity, politics, and nature to the evolving digital landscape, reshaping our understanding of media art and its relevance in contemporary society. The thematic focuses—ranging from activism and political engagement to cinema, performance, and digital technologies—have offered new insights into the dynamic field of media art.

Our journey has been marked by various notable curatorial contributions. Early on, programmes such as Cinema Revisited explored the legacy of cinematic forms, while others critically examined themes like activism, performance, and the intersection of technology and art. For example, curated projects have delved into how media art engages with social issues, challenges power structures, and reflects on the digital age. More recent programmes have focused on topics such as representation, gender, and the impact of blockchain technologies on the art world.

Each year, LI-MA continues to invite curators from different backgrounds, encouraging them to offer fresh perspectives on media art and how it speaks to pressing contemporary issues. While the curators and their projects span a wide range of approaches, they all contribute to enriching the dialogue around media art and expanding its possibilities.

Notable guest curators include:

• Bart Rutten (Cinema Revisited)
• Brigitte Bélanger & Camie Karstanje (Talking Back to the Media)
• Frédérique Bergholtz & Susan Gibb (Performance: Thinking Through Event and Duration)
• Juha van 't Zelfde (Medium Specific)
• Martijn van Boven (Slicing of Time)
• Manique Hendricks (LI-MA Presents: Representation, Gender, and the Body)
• Jan Robert Leegte (LI-MA Presents: Blockchain Art: An Update)
• Karen Lancel & Hermen Maat (LI-MA Presents: Can I Touch You Online?)
• belit sağ (LI-MA Presents: Remembering Otherwise)

This list represents just a selection of the talented curators who have contributed to LI-MA's evolving programming over the years.

 

Taking Media Art on Tour

As we look forward, LI-MA has been working to extend its reach by bringing its collection across the Netherlands, on a nationwide tour. Our first stop was The Grey Space in the Middle in The Hague. Our programme now embraces emerging artists, offering them a platform to present their work and receive valuable peer feedback, through the establishment of an open call that urges undiscovered and less established artists to present their work. Next stops include: Tilburg, Leeuwarden and Arnhem.

By collaborating with local institutions and embracing regional artists and themes, we aim to diversify and democratise media art. Our goal is to showcase work by established and emerging talent, foster a dynamic exchange between creators and audiences, and cultivate inclusive, and sustainable local communities around media art.

The Future

As we look back on this achievement, it is impossible to ignore the uncertainty that lies ahead. Throughout the years, LI-MA has remained a vital platform for media art, offering artists and curators the freedom to push the limits of creativity. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic media art landscape has never wavered.

LI-MA has always been more than a platform — it is a collaborative effort that brings together artists, institutions, and audiences. Looking back on the many collaborations and groundbreaking programmes that have reshaped how we engage with media art, we take pride in the contributions we’ve made to the field. However, we must also acknowledge that the future is uncertain. Since our founding, we have relied on project-based funding to maintain our infrastructure and carry out vital activities. However, the lack of long-term financial support now puts our future in jeopardy. 

As the only dedicated platform in the Netherlands systematically collecting, distributing, and preserving media art, our mission is critical in safeguarding both iconic works and emerging experiments for future generations. We remain hopeful and resilient as we explore ways to sustain our mission and keep creating meaningful work. By the end of November, we will be able to let you know whether LI-MA is future-proof. In the meantime, your support is essential to ensure that media art remains accessible to artists, researchers, and the public — both now and in the future.