Reviews

This page shows reviews and works made by some of our guests, while staying at ARTISA. (in Dutch and English)

Academic Writing Retreat

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“We must thank you for creating this place.There is so much conflict and negativity in the world and here is so much beauty. When you come here life becomes beautiful. I wrote inspired by the setting and rested myself at the same time. Extremely nice combi. It was an extra-ordinary experience.”
Prof. dr. Halleh Ghorashi, Professor in Diversity and Integration at the Sociology department, at the VU University Amsterdam, wrote a research proposal and an article.

 

writing retreat post doctoral research fellow‘Artisa is an outstanding place. Celeste does a marvellous job. You get so much work done in one week that you are thinking about your next stay while you are still there. I was simply thrilled. It was a great group, a marvellous place. It is the combination of routine and the feeling of being surrounded by creative people that is most stimulating.’
dr. Martin Kaiser, fellow researcher at University of Zurich.

scientist at work at artisa
” I found it incredibly useful to focus on only my book project for one week. The atmosphere was lovely, as was the food, and it was all very flexible. Celeste was available to help as need, but really just let you decide how you worked best. This was really wonderful.”
dr. Haley Swedlund, assistant professor Radboud University, Nijmegen, finished the first draft of her book on foreign aid and development studies.

German scientist works at artisa
“Great week. This is the best combination of working in a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere and at the same time making significant progress with writing. The approach and set-up are perfect. The social context is great as well – you can be on your own or join others – no pressure either way. Everyone is extremely well taken care of.”
Prof. dr. Birgit Leyendecker, Professor Ruhr University, Bochem, Developmental Psychology/ Immigrant and minority families.

prof. dr. A. Keski
‘ I came to ARTISA to test whether an idea for a medical textbook that I’ve had for some time would actually be feasible. I was able to outline the project, do the required research and draft two chapters. This would never have happened had I not participated in a writing retreat. The setting was fantastic: lovely spacious rooms, excellent food, and warm and friendly hosts. I also enjoyed the stimulating companionship and walks on the beach and in the village. Writing can be a tough and lonely activity. The unique atmosphere at ARTISA made everything so much easier! After the retreat I feel energized and highly motivated to continue the book project. Thank you Celeste and everyone else for this fantastic experience!’
Associate Professor Anna Keski-Rahkonen, University of Helsinki

academy research fellow helsinki
‘The experience was positive. I met my academic goals. The environment was inspiring and fruitful, the food delicious, and the retreat provided me with the opportunity to concentrate on my writing. I liked the set up with yoga in the morning, and the meals structuring the rhythm of the day. The dinners were appreciated as an opportunity to talk to the whole group.’
Academy research fellow Camilla Lindholm, University of Helsinki.

Socrates trophy 2014
“Het is overigens geen eenzaam avontuur geweest, ondanks al die uren achter mijn computer. De eerste ideeën formuleerde ik in tijdens mijn eerste academische retraite in Artisa, in november 2011. In april en oktober 2012 kwam ik daar nog tweemaal een week terug. Ik werkte er hard, maar genoot ook van de inspirerende atmosfeer, het geweldige weer, het heerlijke eten, de hartelijke gezelligheid en de constructieve feedback op mijn teksten. Een Academic and Art Retreat aan de Griekse kust is echt een geweldig goed idee.”
Prof. dr. Jan Bransen won the Socrates trophy 2014 with his book ‘Laat je niets wijsmaken. Over de macht van experts en de kracht van gezond verstand’. Most part of the book has been written at Artisa.

article written by prof. Willy Jansen
‘I worked with great pleasure at this article during my stay at Artisa. Thanks for the very good advice I got while spending time with you, sitting and talking at the kitchen table.’
Prof.dr. W.H.M. Jansen, Institute for Gender Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen, worked on the article at Artisa. The Hard Work of Small Talk in Ethnographic Fieldwork by Henk Driessen and Willy Jansen will be published in the Journal of Anthropological Research.

Artists, writer

writing and reading poets at Artisa
“What you do in stewarding Artisa, its retreats, visitors, brings benefit to so many lives that you should be justly proud of your work there. I think yours is one of those rare roles of which it can be truly said to advance the happiness and well-being of humanity.
John Fitzgerald, Boole library, University College Cork, Ireland, came to Artisa to prepare a selection of his poetry for publication and inspired by the place he wrote a couple of new poems.

Femke Halsema schrijft op Artisa
“I had an excellent stay and would love to return to work again on my book.”

Femke Halsema, publicist, author, filmmaker, started writing her political memoires ‘Pluche’ at Artisa.

creative writing retreat
‘The arrival was overwhelming. Much more intense than I had expected. An enchanting setting, in an exotic atmosphere and at the same time a feeling of coming home. That to me is Artisa. In terms of work I am much more productive than I am at home. In 2 weeks I write an amount that would take me 6 weeks at home. And at the end of the day, here, I’m still relaxed and energetic. What else can one wish for…’
Walter Lucius, professional thriller writer. He worked on his second book from his heartland thrilogy.

writing retreat
‘Het verblijf heeft mijn verwachtingen overtroffen. Wat geboden werd was professioneel, compleet, ondersteunend en zeer prettig. De locatie, de huisvesting en de maaltijden waren perfect.
De wijze waarop Celeste het centrum leidt en begeleid is zeer aangenaam en van hoge kwaliteit!’
Thea Kuin, relatietherapeut, heeft gewerkt aan de opzet voor een boek over contact in relaties in het algemeen en liefdesrelaties in het bijzonder.

writing a book on bereavement
‘Goed gewerkt aan mijn boek. Er was ruimte, rust, openheid en gelegenheid voor gesprek en ook stilte.Geïnspireerd door de zee. Fijn was het ook om in de ochtend te bewegen en mediteren.’
Henriette Doosje, Hogeschool Zwolle, Buro nazorg, heeft aan haar boek met verhalen over rouwverwerking gewerkt.

Chloe Marshall reading from her work
“I had an excellent week, thanks to Louise and Celeste’s support and the warmth and kindness of them, along with the other attendees. I had a wonderful, very productive and very happy stay.
I completed 8000 words which was more than expected and I’m proud of my work. everything is very well organised, but also flexible enough to accommodate individual needs. The location is beautiful, inspirational and peaceful – perfect for a retreat.”

Chloe Marshall, journalist, came for a creative writing retreat and started writing her first novel at Artisa. We are looking forward to the book!

artist in residence
‘ What a relief to have the possibility to work undisturbed, in this exotic paradise, surrounded by so much beauty and support by others also at work in different fields during the same period of time.’
Angeline Lips drawings inspired by poems from Federico Garcia Lorca.

visual artist at work
‘I returned home with a series of new paintings after a very inspiring week in Artisa. The mix of my love for Greece, the company of Celeste and Louise, the beautiful quiet area by the sea, experience how a writer is working, this all together gave me lots of energy. Hope to come back!’​
Nancy Kroon, inspired by ancient Greek myth and culture.

Monique Neelen taking pictures of European teens
‘It’s lovely to be here. Artisa supports me with great ideas, contacts, delicious food, warm company. The accommodation is like a paradise.’
YOU-R-O-TEENS Project by Monique Neelen. Portratis of teenagers from all the countries belonging to the EU.

paintings drawings at artisa
‘Heel erg bedankt voor de geweldige inzet, zoveel aandacht, humor en liefdevolle verzorging. Bij het werk wijze ogen die meekijken en laten en achtergrond en diepte aanreiken.’
Carola de Vries-Robles, open retreat en masterclass with Hélène Jansen, presents her work in a spontaneous exhibition.

Dissertation writing week

Finishing your PhD thesis at Artisa
‘ I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but my stay at ARTISA has been like 2 weeks in paradise. I have never experienced this combination of really relaxing and getting so much work done. Next year I will make sure to come back – it’s so much fun and also such an efficient use of my time! The structure of the program was perfect: a good combination of physical exercise, amazing and healthy food and the coaching. It was really helpful to have a set of trained eyes look over what I had written.’ Vera S.

Discussing your thesis at Artisa‘ It has been a great two weeks. The combination of writing, studying and relaxation in a beautiful and inspiring environment with nice people has been a true gift. Absorbing nature has made room for new ideas on my research and the business I run. Discussions with Frank Leone, our PhD coach, were fun and very helpful to channel my ambitions and prioritize.Discussions with people from all over the world, who came to Artisa for all different kinds of reasons was a tremendous joy.’
Christine Swankhuisen, PhD candidate Radboud University Nijmegen and consultant Tabula Rasa, worked on the design for two intervention studies for her dissertation.

dissertation writing week
‘ Frank was een fijne, betrouwbare begeleider. Hij moest af en toe wel zoeken naar een goede tijdsindeling om iedereen te zien maar nam dan ruim de tijd voor je. Zijn kritische feedback brengt je echt verder. Hij is zeer betrokken en kundig. Ik heb een heerlijke week gehad waarin ik in alle rust aan mijn onderzoek heb kunnen werken.’ Tessa Overmars, PhD candidate VU-Amsterdam. Research about the relation between neighborhood characteristics and inclusion of people with a mental handicap.

review-NB‘ Het was fantastisch. De combi van in rust schrijven en tegelijk genieten val alles wat deze prachtige plek en de mensen hier te bieden hadden is haast niet in woorden te vatten. Je moet het gewoon meemaken.De begeleiding heeft me ook goed vooruit geholpen.’
Nicole Brenninkmeijer, Ministry of Justice and Safety, PhD candidate, VU, Amsterdam worked on her thesis: Honour-killings, moral panic and the emergence of an organizational field.

Men_M‘ The writing week for PhD students exceeded all my expectations. What a nice place, positive atmosphere with stimulating coaching and encouragement. I not only achieved more than I expected, I’m also enormously refreshed and well-rested.’
Marianne Jacobs, PhD candidate VU-sociology, Amsterdam, Care Networks of Frail Elderly, the collaboration between caregivers and healthcare professionals.

‘Great design! Don’t change the design. Or perhaps: recommend PhD candidates to stay longer after the dissertation week to continue writing for a couple of more days. Wonderful to have such an intensive individual counseling. It helped me enormously.’
Marieke van Wieringen, PhD candidate VU-organisational science, Amsterdam, How do home care organisations collaborate with caregivers and others(care) organizations.

PhD in law good place to work

‘ Coaching is Professional – Dedicated – Perfect. And a fantastic place. ‘

Jochem Dousi, PhD candidate RU Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Researches ; “De invloed van Amerikaans recht op Nederlandse contracten”.

 

 

Writing discussion of thesis at Artisa

‘ Begeleiding schrijven is maatwerk, top en optimaal voor mij. Inspirerend de ontmoetingen met andere deelnemers en super locatie.’
Roelie Mulder, PhD candidate RUD Zeeland, The Netherlands, worktitle research: Behavior of bystanders to bullying at work, related to characteristics of the target of bullying.

 

M_en_N_1‘Ik heb me erg thuis gevoeld. Wat me geholpen heeft zijn de oefeningen in de ochtend, de open houding en energie van de begeleiders, de fantastische accommodatie, heerlijke maaltijden en de begeleidingsgesprekken over mijn werk.’
Nicole van Gerven, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, worked on her PhD dissertation : ‘Autoimmune Hepatitis in the Netherlands: Epidemiological and clinical aspects.

foto_j._made_in_1
‘ Ik heb Artisa pas in mijn laatste fase van de promotie ontdekt. Ik was hier liever 1 x per jaar tijdens mijn promote geweest. Flexibele en heel toegankelijke, warme begeleiding, prachtige locatie, heerlijk eten, inspirerende lotgenoten. Kon niet beter.’
Jacqueline Siljee, Project manager RIVM, The Netherlands worked on her PhD thesis: Melanocortin-4 Receptor, from primary cilia to rodent and human hypothalamus.

 

 

Art masterclass

masterclass artists‘De art masterclass op Artisa had alles wat ik gehoopt had! Het is een prachtige locatie aan zee die een enorme rust uitstraalt. Met een tuin die al de goede energie in je naar boven haalt. Een ruim appartement met een balkon waarop ik heerlijk kon schilderen. De begeleiding die de groep op een unieke individuele wijze weet te coachen. Zij voorzag ons van inspiratie, creatieve input en wist te bereiken dat iedereen aan het einde van de week een enorme ontwikkeling had doorgemaakt. Celeste liet ons elke dag beginnen met aangename bewegingsoefeningen en een meditatie, afgestemd op het schilderthema van de dag. Het eten was van een super klasse! De week heeft mij veel gebracht en nieuwe handvatten gegeven.’
Lizzy Koster, participant masterclass with Hanny Sprangers and Angeline Lips

review masterclass‘ Ik heb een heel bijzonder goede tijd gehad op Artisa. Ruimte scheppend, aandachtig, zorgvuldig met respect voor ieders eigenheid. De creativiteit stroomt weer. ik heb nieuwe inspiratie opgedaan. Wat me geïnspireerd heeft zijn de plek, de zee, de zon en wind, het licht etc. etc., individueel werken met gelijkgestemden.’
Anneke Adama, participant masterclass Hélène van Bavel and masterclass Angeline Lips.

masterclass artists
‘ Ik heb meer inzicht in mezelf gekregen. De werkwijze en opzet is voor mij prettig geweest. De begeleiding was goed. Er was een positieve aandacht voor mijn werk, met bruikbare adviezen. Het programma was uitstekend en precies zoals ik verwacht had.’
Rikie Pouw, participant masterclass with Hanny Sprangers

 

masterclass artists
‘ Wat me geïnspireerd heeft is de input van Hanny en daarna het uitproberen. Ik heb nog meer inzicht gekregen in mijn eigen proces en handvatten gekregen op gebied van onderzoek, spel, presentatie en het verhaal achter een werk. De opzet is prima en de accommodatie heerlijk! Zou graag een langere duur willen van de masterclass. ‘
Els van Lieshout, participant masterclass Hanny Sprangers and Angeline Lips.

art masterclass‘ De ideeën van Hanny, de meditaties ‘s ochtends, de natuur, het tot rust komen en me concentreren heeft me geïnspireerd.
De inleidingen waren heel duidelijk. Wat fijn was was dat er een goede communicatie was. Jullie namen echt de tijd voor je als je daarom vroeg. Het heeft me meer contact met mezelf en afdalen in diepere lagen van mezelf gebracht, evenals bezinning en contact met gelijkgestemden.Voor mij een perfecte week.’

Annette Luycx, participant masterclass Hanny Sprangers.

review masterclass
‘ The amazing approach and attitude of the teacher Angeline Lips and the supportive and caring family atmosphere also had a great impact on my experience.’
Abeer Ayash, fine artist from Lebanon, participant Masterclass with Angeline Lips