Els van der Plas

Els van der Plas is an experienced arts and cultural professional with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Currently serving as Director of Allard Pierson since April 2022, van der Plas enhances the institution's mission to collect, protect, research, and present cultural heritage. Previous roles include Chair of the Board of Trustees at Codarts (2017-2024), Business Director at Bonnefanten Maastricht (2020-2022), and General Director and Chair of the Board for Dutch National Opera & Ballet (2012-2020). Additionally, van der Plas has contributed to the cultural sector as a Member of the Board of Advisors for NWO since 2017 and has held leadership roles in various organizations such as the Prince Claus Fund and Gate Foundation. With a degree in art history from Utrecht University, van der Plas has consistently advocated for diversity, inclusion, and intercultural exchange in the arts.