Dr. Cees J. Hamelink
"The Red Light Jazz Festival means more jazz in the city, and only a swinging city is equipped to handle all the risks of urban life in the 21st century."
Dr. Cees J. Hamelink is emeritus professor of International Communication at the University of Amsterdam. He currently also holds the Athena Chair in Human Rights and Healthcare at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam and serves as professor of Knowledge Management at the University of Aruba. Cees studied religious psychology and clinical psychology. He has given guest lectures in more than forty countries and has received multiple lifetime achievement awards. In addition, he has advised national governments and international organizations, including the United Nations.
Author and Advisor
Professor Hamelink has written 18 books on communication, technology, and culture. He has had a significant global influence on the field, and his expertise is valued by both governments and organizations. His deep knowledge of communication and culture has earned him international recognition as a prominent thinker.
Jazz Musician
Cees is also a passionate jazz musician. He was the bassist for the Louis van Dijk Trio, which won the Loosdrecht Jazz Concours in 1961. More recently, he recorded three CDs with pianist Louis van Dijk, vocalist Tamara Hoekwater, and pianist Jean Louis van Dam. His musical contributions to the jazz scene are unmistakable, and his love for music and culture has always been closely intertwined with his academic work.
Initiator of Amsterdam World Jazz City
In 2014, Cees, together with Jeroen de Rijk—also an ambassador of the Red Light Jazz Festival—initiated “Amsterdam World Jazz City.” This project was established to position Amsterdam as an international center of jazz. It is an important initiative aimed at putting the city on the global map as a hotspot for jazz music and cultural diversity.
Dr. Cees J. Hamelink Ambassador of Red Light Jazz
Cees is proud to serve as an ambassador for the Red Light Jazz Festival. His involvement in the festival stems from his belief that jazz is a vital part of urban life in the 21st century. According to Cees, a swinging city is one that is equipped to face the challenges of modern life—and the Red Light Jazz Festival plays a key role in making that possible.