Koen is an art worker and cultural organizer. He is artistic director of Kunstinitiatief VHDG in Leeuwarden and a board member of the Creatieve Coalitie. From 2020 to 2023, he formed the core team of Platform BK together with Sepp Eckenhaussen. Together, they organized and supported various actions and events, including Dit Zijn Onze Helden at the Malieveld with former Platform BK members Yuri Veerman, Rune Peitersen, and Joram Kraaijeveld; Solidarity Camp in collaboration with six solidarity organizations; Post-Precarity Camp in collaboration with Hotel Maria Kapel; and the Vrije Ruimte Festival in collaboration with Amsterdam Alternative. These initiatives brought art workers together to unite and advocate for a better arts climate in the Netherlands.

Since joining Platform BK, Koen has actively contributed to the development of Fair Practice in the Dutch arts sector by writing, lobbying, organizing actions, and bringing artists together. He published an article for Mister Motley on the gradual disappearance of artist grants and more recently wrote for Metropolis M about developments in Fair Practice policy. Building on this research, he explores new forms of art organization and alternative cultural economies together with Sepp Eckenhaussen and other members of Platform BK.

Koen looks forward to returning to Platform BK in a new role. With the new core team of Hilda Moucharrafieh and Arthur Kneepkens, Platform BK has promising years ahead, continuing to build—together with its members and partners—toward a strong, supportive, and future-proof position for art workers.