‘I believe in the public benefit of the arts.
Creativity is a unique rEsource FOR society. It can be a critic of the present or a vision of the future, it can help us see, process and change our times.’
INNOVATIVE IDEAS.
Mirjam uses her artistic and academic experience to create, produce and deliver innovative work across the creative industries. In this, she cultivates pieces that are socially relevant and engaging.
Past Projects
Past Projects
Y: Rosas
Ruhrtriennale Festival of the Arts
Museum Folkwang
As Artistic Production Manager for Ruhrtriennale Festival, Mirjam is overseeing the delivery of Y. The Rosas production with choreography by Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker is a commissioned by Ruhrtriennale Festival of the Art in co-production with Museum Folkwang and creates an interdisciplinary dialogue between dance, music, literature, visual arts and the audience in the white cube of the museum.
One One One: Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company
Ruhrtriennale Festival of the Arts
Museum Folkwang
As Artistic Production Manager for Ruhrtriennale Festival, Mirjam is overseeing the presentation of ONE ONE ONE at Museum Folkwang. In this interactive performance, performers and the audience members look into each other’s eyes as the performers dance for a single audience member at a time until that audience member stands up from their chair. ONE ONE ONE is choreographed by Ioannis Mandafounis, performed by dancers of Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, and was originally produced by ++1, Prairie - Migros Cultural Percentage and Tanzfest 2015.
Peripheral Perceptions: Aleth Berenice
A choreographic short film produced by Mirjam Otten and developed and directed by Aleth Berenice. Inspired by Scriabin’s Colour-Sound synesthesia, the work explores different ways of absorbing and disseminating information as a starting point for creation and movement.
Creative Europe: The Finnish national ballet
Cross-cultural exchange is a fundamental cornerstone of a vibrant, inclusive and collaborative global arts landscape. Against the background of this shared understanding, Mirjam has been selected for the Creative Europe — Culture Moves Europe programme financed by the European Commission; as well as the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science Travelling Scholarship to join The Finnish National Ballet as a guest for the company’s 2023 production of Tamara Rojo’s Raymonda. The experience confirms and enriches Mirjam’s artistic journey and continued interest in innovation in the classical ballet industry as a form of heritage conservation.
Mirjam thanks the company for the warm welcome in Helsinki and is proud to contribute to a connected and open ballet industry together.
This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.
The Thelmas
Mirjam was very happy to join the rebellious British theatre duo The Thelmas for a part of their journey as a growing company as Senior Producer. The touring company champions female-identifying artists and the stories they have to tell through stage productions, community workshops and interdisciplinary formats.
UNESCO International Dance Council
Mirjam is delighted to be a member of the International Dance Council CID of UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
‘CID is the official umbrella organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world. It is a non-governmental organization founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based. Its members are the most prominent federations, associations, schools, companies and individuals in over 170 countries. They cooperates with national and local governments, international organizations and institutions. It is a non-discriminatory structure open to all approaches to dance without prejudice for race, gender, religion, political affiliation or social status, and governed democratically by member-elected leadership.’ — CID Website
CID plays an important role in international dance infrastructure, solidarity and governance, and Mirjam is proud to be part of this vital step towards global democracy and connection in dance.
the hard corps podcast
It has been a great pleasure for Mirjam to be a guest on The Hard Coprs Podcast: Season 3, Episode 24. In the episode, she discusses her career journey, freelancing, favourite pastries and dance research with host Romy Adair.
The Hard Corps Podcast creates an important space for open, honest and critical conversation about the ballet industry valued by dancers in training and professionals alike.
1 Minute for…
NRW Kultursekretariat (NRW Office of Culture)
Mirjam developed and produced this short film for the NRW KULTURsekretariat format ‘1 Minute for…’ in collaboration with The Pursuit of Good Stuff, an East London arts collective.
A grant from NRW KULTURsekretariat — funded by the Ministry of Culture and Sciences of the Federal State North Rhine-Westphalia.
ACT’BLE Test athlete
Mirjam was one of 50 Test Athletes in act’ble’s Beta Phase Research.
Act’ble is an innovative venture revolutionising the way pointe shoes are conceptualised and created. Using modern technologies and materials, they have designed a pointe shoe that outlasts traditional shoes up to 5 times. This is an unprecedented advancement in sustainability and brings the ballet industry one step further into the future. Mirjam is excited to see and be a part of this kind of innovation and new thought in the industry.
Learn more about act’ble and their shoes by visiting their website!
GET IN TOUCH.
Mirjam has worked with dance companies and cultural institutions as well as public bodies, charities and other third-sector organisations and initiatives that make up the European landscape of dance. Whether you want to discuss an existing project or a new idea — there is always room to explore.