In their latest series ‘Between the Stages’, Dekmantel explores what it means to run a festival and how the ecosystem provides a space for community. Andy speaks about her experience:
“For Andy, one of Lentekabinet’s self-described “locals,” a set begins long before the booth. It starts with the same bike ride every visitor takes through the nature reserve. “The route of the visitor was my starting point,” she explains. “The nature and trees of Het Twiske shape the atmosphere. Nature is fully incorporated into my set.”
Next on, the stage evolves. Metal, steps, a new position of the booth: “When I heard about the new design for Lotus, I immediately imagined myself within the stage. With the booth further forward, it feels more interactive. My sound needs to resonate with that.” Design decisions like moving a booth outward are not only aesthetic; they are small tools for shifting the line between performer and crowd, encouraging eye contact, conversation, and risk.
Those shifts demand something from the artist. “I played more dubby and spacious than I normally would for an opening,” Andy says. “Community is everything to me. I always curate for who is there: e.g. artists, dancers, crew. That is inseparable from playing well.” The programming logic is similar: invite people who think in terms of “who is here” rather than “what is my set”, and a local slot becomes a responsive one.”
Read the full story in the longread.
