
Research, consultancy, presentations and copywriting in the fields of leisure, cultural industries, events, festivals, visitor experience, citymarketing and urban tourism.
About Martijn
After spending my youth in my hometown Rotterdam, I studied Leisure Science at Tilburg University (NL) and Sheffield Hallam University (UK). In 2006 I started working at the Leisure department of Willem de Kooning Academy, which is part of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. Since 2011 I am a senior lecturer and researcher at the research center ‘Creating 010’ at Rotterdam University. My research focuses on the attractiveness of cities, the value of cultural supply and events in urban development, the value of leisure experiences and user-centered approaches of leisure and experiences. I have been working on projects for several Dutch cities and regions, the Rotterdam Festival Organization, World Expo Milan 2015, Museum Rotterdam and other leisure related organizations. I’m author of the book “Leisure!” of which the third edition was published in 2019.
In 2017 I started my PhD research on live music experiences and ecologies at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, under supervision of Prof. Susanne Janssen, Dr. Erik Hitters and Dr. Paul Rutten. My research focuses on how local live music ecologies can contribute to value creation in the position of music venues and festivals, and the local (urban) society in general, focusing on (1) how to find a balance between structural and temporary live music infrastructure, which caters for diverse audiences and (2) how to optimize the value of live music experience within its complete ecology. This PhD research is part of the NWO funded project Staging Popular Music: sustainable live music ecologies for artists, music venues and cities. In this project Erasmus University cooperates with Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the Dutch association of music venues and festivals (VNPF) and live music organization Mojo Concerts (part of Live Nation).
I have been passionate about the subject of leisure since my youth. Initially I was dreaming about a career in sports management but during my study my interest shifted towards urban development, festivals, events and the cultural industries. It should come as no surprise that I spend my own leisure at festivals, in music venues and in cities all over the world. Above all, I have a passion for music. So finally, to give an insight in the type of music that moves me, below a list of albums that I would definitely take with me on my trip to a desert island.
Publications and media
For publications, presentations and interviews, click here.