ROTTERDAM, 17 March 2026 – Harry Hamelink, the founder and long-time driving force behind Motel Mozaïque, has officially handed over his role after helping shape the festival for a quarter of a century. As MOMO heads towards its 25th anniversary, the organisation is moving into a new phase under general director Margriet Colenbrander and head of programme Enoma Amayo.
What began during Rotterdam’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2001 grew into one of the city’s most recognisable multidisciplinary festivals. Over the years, Motel Mozaïque, usually known simply as MOMO, expanded beyond the festival itself into projects including Bazar Curieux, Fabrique Mozaïque, MOMO Concerts and MOMO Create & Perform.
Hamelink had already stepped back from part of his role in 2024, when Enoma Amayo took over as head of programme and Margriet Colenbrander became general director. MOMO says the handover became final on 1 February 2026, with the current team now carrying the organisation forward.
From cultural capital to city festival
MOMO’s roots go back to 2001, when Rotterdam held the title of European Capital of Culture. From there, the festival developed into a platform for music, performance and art across the city, often using unexpected locations and mixing local energy with international discovery.
That history is closely tied to Hamelink himself. In 2023, he received the Rotterdam Culture Medal for his contribution to the city’s cultural field, recognition of a long period in which he helped connect artists, audiences and Rotterdam spaces in a way that became distinctly MOMO.
A handover already in motion
The shift did not happen overnight. MOMO had already signalled in 2024 that Hamelink was making room for a new generation, while staying involved as founder and programme maker. This latest announcement marks the point where that transition is now formally complete.
According to MOMO, Colenbrander and Amayo will continue building on the festival’s existing foundation with the wider team, while keeping space for different voices, perspectives and stories, always with Rotterdam as the backdrop.
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Harry Hamelink on 25 years of MOMO
Reflecting on his years with the festival, Hamelink said: “Nothing is more beautiful than working with others on new ideas. Being open to artists, presenting the newest bands and scouting striking performers. Enriching evocative locations with art, being inspired by artists, makers and festival volunteers. Exploring your own sense of wonder, connecting local and international art, social issues, the city and the audience, and transforming that into a vibrant city festival. Experimenting instinctively and without inhibition.
“Twenty-five years of MOMO means gratitude to me for all the encounters, performances, guided tours, press attention, received budgets, exhibitions, partners, team members, trust and visitors. I enjoyed it to the fullest and always felt lucky that I was so often allowed into the kitchen of artists’ creative processes. I want to keep developing in that, in Rotterdam and far beyond. I am never short of new ideas.”
The board and management of Motel Mozaïque also looked back on what they described as an important period for the organisation, saying they are grateful for Hamelink’s energy, love and dedication, and that the current team is continuing to build on that legacy.
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Memories that shaped MOMO
The farewell message also revisits several moments that helped define the festival’s identity. Among them is Perron Mozaïque, built on top of the Hofbogen in 2006, as well as an edition in which visitors stayed overnight in houses of worship. Another often-mentioned memory is the 2018 programme at Groot Handelsgebouw, where a lively night programme moved straight into a sunrise piano concert by Joep Beving.
Those kinds of moments explain why MOMO still occupies its own corner of Rotterdam’s festival landscape. It has never been just about booking names. It has also been about how the city itself becomes part of the experience.
Farewell event on 29 May
MOMO says it will mark Hamelink’s departure and long history with the organisation on Friday 29 May 2026 with a farewell celebration. The organisation also says he will remain an honorary guest for life at MOMO Festival and its other activities.
