ABN AMRO and STRAAT Museum Strengthen Long Term Collaboration to Support Female Artists and Youth Engagement in the Arts

ABN AMRO and STRAAT Museum Strengthen Long Term Collaboration to Support Female Artists and Youth Engagement in the Arts

(IN BRIEF) ABN AMRO has extended its partnership with STRAAT Museum for two more years, continuing a collaboration focused on promoting inclusivity in the arts and expanding access for underrepresented groups. The partnership has already led to significant progress, including increasing the share of female artists at the museum from 13 percent to at least 30 percent and reaching over 15,000 young people through its education programme in 2025. Moving forward, both organisations will continue to develop initiatives such as the Women in Street Art programme and the STRAAT Education Programme, with plans to engage nearly 19,500 children in the coming year. The collaboration also includes efforts to remove barriers to participation by working with schools in disadvantaged areas and providing transportation support, reinforcing a long-term commitment to equal opportunities and cultural accessibility.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 18-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ABN AMRO has renewed its partnership with STRAAT Museum for an additional two years, reinforcing their shared commitment to promoting equal opportunities within the arts. The extended collaboration will continue to prioritise the visibility of female artists and broaden access to art for children and young people, particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds.

The partnership, which has been in place for several years, has already delivered a range of impactful initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity in the street art sector. Among these are the Women in Street Art programme and the STRAAT Education Programme, both of which will be further developed during the extended agreement.

Sander Bestevaar, Head of Partnerships, Events and Foundations at ABN AMRO, highlighted the bank’s focus on supporting equal opportunities through its sponsorship strategy. He noted that the collaboration with STRAAT Museum helps amplify the presence of female artists while introducing young audiences to art at an early stage, contributing to long-term talent development and future opportunities.

The results of the partnership to date demonstrate measurable progress. The proportion of female artists represented at STRAAT Museum has increased significantly, rising from 13 percent to at least 30 percent, aligning more closely with broader representation within the street art community. This shift has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and balanced artistic landscape within the institution.

At the same time, the STRAAT Education Programme has expanded rapidly, reaching more than 15,000 children and young people in 2025 alone. The programme has experienced consistent annual growth of around 30 percent, with expectations for continued expansion in the coming years.

Marion Wolff, Director of STRAAT Museum, emphasized that the long-term support from ABN AMRO has enabled the museum to create lasting impact. The collaboration not only increases opportunities for female street artists but also ensures that thousands of young people—especially those with limited access to cultural experiences—can engage with art in meaningful ways.

Looking ahead, both partners will continue to invest in their key initiatives. The Women in Street Art programme will remain a central component, including plans for a multi-day Women in Street Art Jam in summer 2026. The event will bring together female and non-binary artists for exhibitions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions.

The STRAAT Education Programme will also remain a core focus, with plans to reach approximately 19,500 children in the coming year. Special attention will be given to engaging students from underserved communities. To support access, ABN AMRO and STRAAT Museum are collaborating with schools supported by the Youth Education Fund, and will provide dedicated transportation through a STRAAT bus for schools facing logistical barriers.

Through this extended partnership, both organisations aim to continue driving inclusivity, accessibility, and representation in the arts, while creating opportunities for the next generation to explore and develop their creative potential.

Media Contact:

Stefan Wilten
Senior PR Specialist
stefan.wilten@nl.abnamro.com
+31610543799

SOURCE: ABN AMRO