Rob Ahlers

Rob Ahlers holds a PhD in Arts and Culture from the University of Groningen. Prior to this, he completed his master’s degree in Arts, Culture, and Media at the same university and graduated as a drummer from the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen (BA). His doctoral dissertation, titled “Showcasing European Music Festival Networks: The Case of Eurosonic Noorderslag,” examines the impact of festival networks on the broader cultural and creative sectors. In his dissertation, Rob analyzes how these networks contribute to the development of artistic talent, audience engagement, cultural tourism, and regional economic growth. His work contributes to the development and sustainability of music festivals, fostering their significance as vibrant cultural phenomena with transformative potential. His research interests include festival tourism, showcase festivals, and music (as) culture.