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 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.
He returned to the world of comics as the managing director of Cross Comix. Together with Gwen Stok he published a poetic graphic novel about the Dutch colonial past in Indonesia, called In iedere vezel. He also runs two other cultural organizations, International Story Station Rotterdam and Letterhaven.
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 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.
Additionally, she teaches in the Publication Station at Willem de Kooning Academy, sharing her expertise with the next generation of artists. As an illustrator, Dasha both creates and publishes her own zines as well as those of others, championing diverse voices in the publishing landscape.
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 is a freelance illustrator and social media expert. She is an editor for Zone 5300 and manages marketing and communication for Cross Comix.
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 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.
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 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.
Na drie jaar in Berlijn te hebben gewoond verhuisde ze in 2021 naar Rotterdam, maar voor projecten, vrienden en inspiratie is zij nog veel in Berlijn terug te vinden. In de afgelopen twee jaar heeft zij op verschillende artbook events gestaan in onder andere Amerika, Engeland, Duitsland, Frankrijk en uiteraard Nederland.
Naast haar eigen illustratiewerken & publicaties zet Burning Desk ook projecten op waar experimenteren met nieuwe concepten, en samenwerkingen stimuleren met andere illustratoren en selfpublishers de focus heeft. Zo organiseerde zij meerdere zine events zowel in Berlijn als Rotterdam (en oktober 2024 in DEIK gallery in Delft). Momenteel werkt zij met samenwerkingspartners aan een nieuw initiatief, in het opzetten van toekomstige BIPOC publishers talks in zowel Rotterdam als Berlijn.
Saskia van Amstel – I like dinosaursSaskia van Amstel – I love poniesSaskia van Amstel – How to be more ecofriendlySaskia van Amstel – My last mental breakdownSaskia van Amstel – Living in my own bubbleSaskia van Amstel – Always Hangry
Boekpublicatie
In september 2024 publiceerde zij haar eerst boek ‘My colour doesn’t define me…’ dat gaat over haar persoonlijke ervaringen met racisme en unconscious bias. Dit boek vol met illustraties zal zij ook verkopen tijdens de makersmarkt op Cross Comix. Bezoekers hebben die dag de mogelijkheid dit boek te kopen voorzien met een persoonlijke boodschap van Burning Desk zelf!
Door haar achtergrond in fotografie weet zij hoe je zonder woorden een verhaal kunt vertellen. Fotograferen doet zij nu enkel nog ter inspiratie, in illustreren en de selfpublish community heeft Burning Desk haar passie gevonden.
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.
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