Who we are

Makersmarkt bij het Vroesenpaviljoen (foto: Fred Ernst)
Makersmarkt bij het Vroesenpaviljoen (foto: Fred Ernst)

Cross Comix knows how to convince a wide audience of comics as a mature art form. Surprising and idiosyncratic cross-pollination is made possible by linking visual stories to other art disciplines and current events.

The main activity is a festival that takes place yearly in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. We are open to any forms op cooperation as long as it about visual storytelling.

We are an open minded organization that values diversity, inclusion and a safe work space. Our events welcome anybody who thinks events should welcome anybody.

We adhere to good practices for governance and artist integrity. We will never ask any artist to do stuff for us for free.

Production team

The production team consists of Christian Jongeneel (managing director), Dasha Starostin (curator), Jeff Poerstamper (lead producer), Marijn van der Waa (marketing & communication), Caterina Sala (workshop coordinator) and Saskia van Amstel (assistant producer).

Christian Jongeneel

Christian Jongeneel stopped drawing comics when he found out he was better at writing. He published two novels, a book on the philosophy of science and thousands of articles in newspapers and magazines.

Christian Jongeneel (foto: Sam Rentmeester)
Dasha Starostin

Dasha Starostin is a passionate advocate for independent publishing and experimental visual storytelling. She curates a zine kiosk, scouting for emerging talent at international festivals during her travels. As a co-founder of the risograph Studio Vlinderboom, she fosters creativity and collaboration in printmaking.

Dasha Starostin
Jeff Poerstamper

Jeff Poerstamper is a freelance producer and project manager. He has been with Cross Comix since 2022. Next to this he pursues his own artwork.

Jeff Poerstamper
Marijn van der Waa

Marijn van der Waa is a freelance illustrator and social media expert. She is an editor for Zone 5300 and manages marketing and communication for Cross Comix.

Marijn van der Waa
Caterina Sala (Cazaki)

Caterina is a freelance creative with a background in illustration and graphic design. She cultivate her passion by leading different art workshops both in the Netherlands and her native Italy. Caterina has collaborated with Cross Comix since 2023, managing workshops and contributing to the Treviso Comic Book Festival since 2017 as board member.

Caterina Sala
Saskia van Amstel

Saskia van Amstel is een illustrator in Rotterdam die werkt onder de naam ‘Burning Desk’ en als selfpublisher boeken en zines uitbrengt onder de naam ‘Burning Desk Books’. Met een vleugje humor probeert zij met haar werken gevoelige kwesties aan te kaarten via vrolijk ogende illustraties en publicaties. Dit in de hoop meer openheid te creëren over bepaalde onderwerpen en een open gesprek aan te gaan met de kijker.

Saskia van Amstel

Design team

Kwannie Tang & Man-Yee Mok
Set dressing
www.studiomaky.com

Vuurrood
Website
www.vuurrood.nl

Loes Sikkes
Visual identity
www.loessikkes.nl

Rosa Stalenhoef
Graphic design
www.rosastalenhoef.nl

Board of supervisors

The board of supervisors is responsible for verifying that the organization operates in a sensible manner, both artistically and commercially.

Liselotte de Haan (chair)
Consultant at Antea Group

Ander Opmeer
Journalist en writing coach

Rob Noordhoek
Conservator at Museum Rotterdam

Renate Stüger
Author of the Suriman comics

Program council

The program council is an advisory body to the production team, ensuring a broad artistic view.

Hanco Kolk
Illustrator and writer of among others Gilles De Geus and S1NGLE 

Robert van der Kroft
Illustrator of among others Sjors & Sjimmie other Claire

Ingrid Huijsman
Strategic communication consultant

Hans Pols
Editor at Stripschrift and Boekenkrant, initiator of Stripfonds/debutantenfonds

Gert-Jan Pos
Former national comics promotor, teacher at Willem de Kooning Academie

André Hanegraaf
Illustrator, teacher at Sint Joost Breda

Mara Joustra
Head of the Bachelor course Comic Design at Artez Zwolle

Gwen Stok
Illustrator

Company information

The company profile and legal/fiscal information is available on a separate page (currently only available in Dutch). Cross Comix has been designated as “anbi” by the Dutch Tax Authority, making donations tax deductible.

Cross Comix krijgt ondersteuning van

Logo Gemeente Rotterdam
Logo Rotterdam Festivals
Logo Stimuleringsfonds creatieve industrie

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