Hugo Blom (48) is publisher/chief editor of the VPRO Gids, VPRO Koos, vpro.nl and VPRO Cinema. He has worked for the VPRO Gids since 1991, including many years as (final) editor. Together with Jaap van Eyck (direction) he wrote the scenario for the Lolamoviola ‘Benidorm’ in 1999 and then waited until 2015 to publish his first novel ‘Een kleine moeite’ // ‘Little Effort’ (De Geus), which was shortlisted for the ANV Debutant Prize 2016. A second novel is germinating, but he must combine writing it with a full-time job, three (almost adult) sons and a great love.

Paulien Dresscher has been an active researcher, curator and advisor in the field of visual art and digital culture since 1994. Projects she is involved in include the Interactive programme of the Dutch Film Festival, the Art Programme of ITGWO and the new work of artist Floris Kaayk. Furthermore she is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Letterenfonds and is connected to the Humanities department of the University of Utrecht. Paulien Dresscher earned her BA at the Minerva Academy in Groningen, an MA New Media and a Research MA Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam.

Jan Verhagen had been fascinated by books since primary school and thus went on to study literature in Tilburg. During his studies he realized that he also held a keen interest for art and design, and since then he has tried to combine both interests in his career. He worked for publishers for many years, including a publisher of art books, and has been the director of bookstore Van Piere in Eindhoven since September 2014. Alongside running the bookstore, he has also set up numerous other initiatives to make the book industry interesting again to a wide audience. He has been a member of the DWDD book panel since January 2016.