Arnold van de Water
General Director
Effectively executing business strategies in arts, culture & entertainment. Making experiential and immersive initiatives accessible to new and diverse audiences around the globe.
With over 15 years of experience, I drive innovation in the world’s leading museums, and with artists and iconic brands, by successfully creating and transforming international initiatives, markets, and products. My insights as a leader in the arts and culture industry range from venue development to large-scale festival organization. I specialize in developing, producing, and managing touring initiatives that are fueled by immersive and experiential content. My goal-driven, no-nonsense approach fosters partnerships and effectively executes commercial strategies to yield operational outcomes.
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Arts and entertainment run through my veins, as I grew up in theater as the son of a choreographer. At the age of 11, my parents took me to Russia, where I discovered the beauty of the Mariinsky Ballet and the Hermitage. It was invigorating to live in an international environment, and my work now reflects that passion cultivated for interculturality. At Factorr, I build upon this interconnection, and I love creating memorable experiences that help our clients stay one step ahead.
Highlights
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1981
Born in the decade of MTV, Atari, Michael Jackson, Knight Rider, and Italo Disco
1981-2004
Grew up in my family’s ballet company and spent most of my childhood in theaters
2004
Studied Law at the Erasmus University, Rotterdam, but found my passion in arts and entertainment
2005-2011
Founded Factorr with an initial focus on producing large scale festivals and events (concerts and EDM). Worked in various project leader and commercial roles for multiple organizations, such as ID&T and B2S
2011
Expanded Factorr’s services into the wonderful world of global, touring exhibitions; receiving 2 million visitors with (touring) exhibitions between 2011-2020, and counting
2014
Expanded Factorr’s services in placemaking and building visitor attractions
2017
Won the Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement - Immersive Touring Museum
Exhibit with the Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience
2017-2020
Leading the program of the Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience for the Van Gogh Museum.
Industry thought leader and keynote speaker at several leading conferences and events: MAPIC, ISE, Blooloop, World Mobile