Dr. Theo Kemperman

Dr. Theo Kemperman (1956) is a Dutch cultural institution executive and public sector leader with extensive experience at the intersection of culture, civic development and public governance. From 2015 onward, he served as Director of the Rotterdam Public Library system, leading its transformation into a dynamic urban institution with a strong social mission.

Under his leadership, the library positioned itself as a platform for lifelong learning and a place for community engagement and civic participation, with particular focus on literacy, digital inclusion and equal access to knowledge. He is a fervent advocate for the role of cultural institutions as engines of social cohesion and inclusive urban development and as facilitators of informed debate. During his tenure, both the world famous Erasmus Collection and the unique Atlas van Stolk Collection were inscribed in UNESCO heritage registers, reinforcing international recognition of Rotterdam’s documentary heritage. In 2023 he chaired the National Committee for the IFLA World Library and Information Congress, bringing library leaders from around the world to Rotterdam.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Kemperman worked as an independent consultant in the cultural sector and served as director of several museums.