Who & what is AMS
AMS founder Ellen Rutten brings to the table solid experience in academic and cultural leadership, as the University of Amsterdamʼs Professor of Slavic Literatures2012-'25, researcher at ao the Universit of Cambridge2006-‘09, member of the UvA Senate2019-'23, former supervisory-board member of ao Het Noordbrabants Museum and the Khardzhiev Foundation, and co-founder and -director of the University of New Europe2021–, an NGO that supports ca. 500 arts & academic workers at risk.
Ellenʼs shift from academia to AMS is, in part, a personal reply to new political developments. In this time of daunting societal challenges, she amplifies cultural & academic resources by forging partnerships — with special attention for ecological transitions, forgotten (imperial) histories and voices, and war & justice.
Ellen actively cooperates with a network of committed professionals and expert — including, among others, creative strategist, researcher, and educator Victoria Meniakina and advisory practice for diversity and inclusion DoDiversity. AMS also works with student assistants. In 2026 student Koen Idema (University of Amsterdam) supports AMS as project assistant.
Marise Voskens
Formerly judge, chair of the board of the University of Amsterdam and of public broadcasting company VPRO. Currently chair of the board of the national Museum Association, chair of International Theatre Amsterdam and multiple cultural and social institutions
"To make things happen. Typical Ellen. In doing so she employs her many qualities: an inquisitive and analytical mind, a clear overview, a solution-oriented approach, and her creativity to design the most appropriate strategy and implementation. She combines a wide range of experiences and interests, and is excellently equipped to liaise cultural and academic challenges. In addition, AMS and its clients will greatly benefit from her sense of international dimensions, eye for human and social impact, and her enormous drive and focus."
Existing cooperations
Ellen launched and led partnerships with a.o.
University of Amsterdam International Institute for Social History Cambridge University University of Bergen Central European University School of Art & Design, UNSW Sydney Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Van Abbemuseum Gerrit Rietveld Academie Design Academy Eindhoven Science at Risk Berlin,
backed by ca. €4 million support from a.o.
European Commission Bundestag NWO (Rubicon, VIDI, Museum Grant) Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study Amsterdam School for Cultural Analysis AUF VSB Democracy & Media Foundation Research Council of Norway Humanities in the European Research Area
Inspiration
AMS' approach is fed by hands-on experience and lessons from existing academic-museum partnerships, and from such thought leaders in successful arts management and financing as Michael Kaiser (doʼs for sustainable arts organizations), Gail Lord (on museums & soft power), and Kunst x Wetenschap x Samenleving. AMS also takes inspiration from thinking on cultural at-risk support as security tool — for institutions under threat ánd for parties that cooperate with them. As affiliated guest researcher of the Amsterdam School for Heritage, Memory and Material Culture (University of Amsterdam), Ellen continues to integrate new knowledge and perspectives into the work for AMS.
Photos Roger Cremers & Ellen Rutten / private archive