
Introduction

Ismène Elbers is a Dutch multidisciplinary artist and international creative & cultural entrepreneur, born and raised in Belgium. She has lived and worked in Belgium, Spain, and the Philippines. As a board member of the international creative community CLOCK, she actively advocates for the recognition and support of non-formal creative learners—autodidacts—who bring invaluable talent and innovation to the world.
Ismène is currently working on her new exhibition, X-TheNO(W)!, where she merges all her artistic talents with research into her Indonesian roots and family history. With a Dutch-French father and an Indonesian mother, her roots are a blend of rich cultural narratives. Her maternal great-grandmother, Agatha Toorop, connects her to the artistic legacy of the Toorop family, including renowned artist Jan & Charley Toorop. Her Multicultural background informs work as both an artist and a cultural coach, allowing her to explore themes of identity, heritage, and creativity. She strives to create art that resonates with diverse communities and foster a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.
Through her projects and workshops, she aims to inspire individuals to connect with their own cultural narratives and express themselves through art. Ismène believes that art has the power to transcend boundaries and can be a catalyst for dialogue and understanding.
This project explores identity, heritage, and transformation through a fusion of visual art, storytelling, and digital technology, creating an immersive experience that bridges past and present. Dream & DO!
Early life and education
At the age of 6, without being aware of it, Ismène Elbers began building and seeing the fun off working and playing within international relations and connections the European School Mol Belgium were she was a pupil. The values Ismène Elbers learned to embraced back then, such as diversity, creativity, and critical thinking, continue to be the common thread at her International practice & Art Studio HUB168.
From that early age, a fascination with the stage was evident, and she became a professional performing artist for many years. Yet visual arts provided a sanctuary—a peaceful refuge amidst the tumultuous storms of life. Now, next towards her work as a creative coach the evolution of Ismène as a visual Mixed Media artist is gradually unfolding, providing a conscious sense of calm and serving as a channel for self-expression. She was engaged in exhibitions like, Seoul South Korea, Belgium, Netherlands and soon UK and USA.

Career trajectory

As a creative Ismène has successfully managed diverse projects, honing her skills as a coach, teamleader, and creative concept developer. While finding fulfillment in these roles, she has now established her own Coaching Practice and Art Studio in The Netherlands. This is within a 13e Century old Monastery called Bovendonk in a picturesque village called Hoeven, focusing on creative education support and talent development. With international expertise in Creative Learning and Business development, Ismène aims to promote connection and development in society, catering to autodidacts and multipotentialites. Her skills include being social, creative, innovative, a motivator, and a project-oriented, self-reliant leader. To infuse authenticity into ideas or craft new plans, bringing Ismène to the drawing table is a definite must.
Links towards location: www.bovendonk.nl https://www.hub168.eu/location-hub168
Legacy and future
Ismène desires to leave a lasting legacy as a woman with an authentic creative vision. Beyond that, she aims to be remembered as an authentic artistic entrepreneur who, by contributing to the cultural and artistic realms, cultivates connections, promotes cross-disciplinary collaboration, and inspires society. She is committed to challenging perspectives, advocating for the value of creativity, and upholding fair practices and fair pay, with a particular emphasis on supporting non-formal learners, including autodidacts.
References
The Creative Office & Practice HUB168, based in the Netherlands and founded by Ismène Elbers, offers space for her artwork as well as workshops, coaching, and training sessions in an authentic and inspiring environment. HUB168 hosts CLOCK bootcamps for diverse Creative Cultural Entrepreneurs, including artists, theater makers, designers, and creative businesses. HUB168 has successfully tackled challenges in Education, Healthcare, Municipalities, and Government.

As a CLOCK Sector Expert, Ismène Elbers and HUB168 actively advocate for the creative industry in collaboration with CLOCK Your Skills.
CLOCK is a dynamic and adaptable professional development program led by top international experts. These professionals understand diverse work patterns, evolving sector settings, and the complexities of today’s business landscape. CLOCK’s global framework enables professionals to showcase their unique skills and experiences, aligning them with international professional and academic standards.
Many professionals overlook the hard and soft skills they have acquired and integrated into their work. CLOCK illuminates these hidden skills, providing formal recognition that enhances career development.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismeneelbers
Clock Your Skills : https://clockyourskills.com/our-international-community-ismene-elbers/