Merlijn Twaalfhoven

Biography

Merlijn Twaalfhoven is a Dutch composer, speaker, writer, and designer of music projects. In his works he explores latitude, imagination, and a role for art in social issues such as inequality, and the transition to a sustainable society. He has designed numerous unconventional music and theater projects and has worked in conflict areas and refugee camps. He also wrote the Dutch book: "Het is aan ons", Why We Need the Artist Within to Save the World..

Channel description

Only if we activate an artist mindset, we can navigate uncertainty with imagination, beauty and play, and tackle wicked, global problems.
In creating large music events on places with complex and sensitive conditions, I learned to organise and develop my plans in a flexible, adapting way. But more important, I could experience how different languages are needed in places in need, if the conventional languages of politics, economy and activism have become stuck or start sounding hollow. Art provides such alternative languages. It makes connections on heart level and speaks directly to emotions and values. In my projects I saw how we could create space for complexity and uncertainty, reconnecting people and breaking divisions.
I am doing all I can to get the power of art out of it’s isolation and to activate an artist mindset among anyone who aspires to change society.

Latest videos Channel ↗

• 01 5 Update Luistercampagne Crowdfunding ... 100%! Dec 19, 2025
• 02 41 Wat is er mis met onze democratie? Over de Luistercampagne met Walter Wittkamp. Dec 1, 2025
• 03 44 Laten we een betere wereld tevoorschijn luisteren Nov 27, 2025
• 04 37 Uitnodiging & update over het Herfstgesprek 2025 Oct 10, 2025
• 05 126 Een sociaal noodpakket - Samenredzaam in een noodsituatie Oct 8, 2025