In this panel, we’ll help you think outside the box to build your network and attract clients by leveraging opportunities right in front of your nose.
Presenters: Robert Kloos Jane Kojima Stefan Ringel Courtney Whitelocke
Moderators: Laura Roumanos
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Park – Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Number 1 on the official photoville map
Click to download this year's map
Presented by:
This seminar is part of Luminance at Photoville presented by PhotoShelter.
A full day conference pass ($20) includes admission to all six panels plus breakfast, lunch and admission to the peer review happy hour. Click here to purchase a pass.
You want to grow your photo career and make money, but are challenged to figure out how. Sound familiar? In this panel, we’ll help you think outside the box to build your network and attract clients by leveraging opportunities right in front of your nose. Learn how you can successfully tap into your local community and unearth real opportunities that go overlooked by many including with local business owners, consulates, cultural institutions, Business Improvement Districts, Departments of Transportation, and beyond. You’ll hear from representatives from the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, The Flatiron BID, and the Consulate of the Netherlands, who all share tips to approach institutions and pitch yourself right. Bring your questions!
Robert Kloos, Director for Visual Arts, Netherlands Consulate in NYC
Robert Kloos has been the Director for Visual Arts, Architecture & Design at the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York since 1993. In that capacity he promotes cultural exchange between the Netherlands and the United States. He holds an MA in Art History from Leiden University, the Netherlands, and an MA in Visual Arts Administration from New York University. Over the years at the Cultural Department of the Consulate he has supported hundreds of projects at a wide variety of institutions throughout the country, ranging from small events at local non-profits to large-scale exhibitions at world-renowned museums. In 2009 he spearheaded a plan to donate the New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion (UN Studio/Ben van Berkel) as a permanent gift from The Netherlands to New York to commemorate 400 years of friendship. In 2010 he implemented a new set of social media platforms under the name Orange Alert – Dutch Art Events that featured Dutch art, design and architecture. In 2013 these platforms were rebranded and expanded under the title Dutch Culture USA, now including information on all arts disciplines across the U.S.
Jane Kojima, Deputy Director, Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership, The Flatiron BID
Jane Kojima joined the BID in November of 2012 as Deputy Director. Before joining the BID, she worked for the DUMBO Improvement District in Brooklyn for nearly 6 years, most recently as Director of Events and External Affairs. Prior to that, Jane was a member of the events team at the Bryant Park Corporation and 34th Street Partnership. Jane has a BA in Art History from Saint Louis University with certificates in Business and Italian Studies, and an MA in Arts Administration from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development.
Stefan Ringel, Communications Director, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams
Stefan Ringel has served as the Communications Director to Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams since the beginning of his administration in January 2014, developing and executing strategy that has impacted local politics, media exposure, and public policy. He previously worked in the same capacity for Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. As Media Relations Director to Council Member Jumaane D. Williams, he elevated his principal’s profile from a local level to a nationwide platform, managing major messaging campaigns. In 2012, Stefan was named one of New York City’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” by City & State. He has a Masters in Elections and Campaign Management from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Courtney Whitelocke, Project Manager, New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program
Since 2012, Courtney Whitelocke has been the Project Manager for the New York City Department of Transportation’s Art Program and has assisted with Summer Streets, an annual celebration of NYC’s streets. In addition, she aids with representing DOT on Percent for Art projects working closely with the Department of Cultural Affairs. Prior to DOT, Courtney worked at the Westover School as an assistant archivist within the Alumnae Office, Louise Blouin Media and Gina Gallery. A former collegiate squash player and team captain, Courtney continues to compete in a Women’s Squash League. She also serves as a student-athlete mentor for the City Squash Program. Courtney was awarded a Masters of Letters from Christie’s Education/University of Glasgow in London and a Bachelor’s degree in Art History and French from Franklin & Marshall College in 2010.
Laura Roumanos is a Lebanese Creative Producer originally hailing from Australia. She is the Executive Director and co-Founder of Photoville, a non-profit organization devoted to reaching a wide, diverse audience by producing a free annual photo festival in NYC, activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and connecting artists to a worldwide audience through educational programming and community events. Laura graduated from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Arts back in Australia and worked as a Producer before making the big move to NYC 16 years ago. Since then, Laura has worked for the Manhattan Theatre Club, St. Ann’s Warehouse, Creative Time, The Future of StoryTelling, and the World Science Festival, in addition to producing several large scale theatrical shows for creatives such as Karen O, Bryce Dessner, Richard Reed Parry, Spike Jonze, Opening Ceremony and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. Laura is currently a Coro Leadership NY Fellow and is committed to working with the New York Creative community on sustainable and equitable programs and initiatives.
This website was made possible thanks to the generous support and partnership of 
