Our Board of Trustees: Meet Jacqueline Kaptein

Jacqueline Kaptein is no stranger to the heart of healthcare clowning. As a Trustee at RED NOSES International, she offers not only wisdom but vision—helping to align the organisation’s creative direction with its broader mission. 

In this interview, she shares what first inspired her connection to RED NOSES, how she sees her role evolving, and why deep listening and imagination are essential tools in both clowning and leadership.

• Can you recall your very first experience with RED NOSES? What struck you most, and how has that first impression shaped your long-term engagement?

During the official start of the EFHCO, I met Monica Culen and Giora Seeliger. It was at the beginning of my career as Artistic Director at CliniClowns Netherlands. From the beginning I was touched by the strong vision and leadership of this founders duo. RED NOSES really built on this: Managing Director and Artistic Director both as important for building the organization. Of course the Financial Director is as important.

I was inspired by Giora. How he was already busy with the future leadership of RED NOSES. I visited RED NOSES Austria several times and was impressed by Martin Kotal and Christophe Dumalin. We exchanged many times. About leadership, artistry and different programs. I admire how RED NOSES takes care of their artists and keep developing them: The education and the certification process. To take care of a shared base and vocabulary. I like the clarity in your mission and how you give words to it.

I will never forget a clown duo in the Dementia program in Vienna. The lady clown was looking for a husband and her male clown partner was really silly. There was a lot of interaction with the elderly and a high level of clowning and play, especially how they used status and melodrama. We were at the beginning of building our dementia program and this scene will always be in my mind. I am also deeply touched by the Emergency Smile program. Everything I was able to see through the media and in talking with Christoph. How you organize it and put time in building a team before they go. The cooperation in the field with other organizations. The urgency of this program.

Now as a member of the Board of Trustees, I can witness how the leadership has been guided into the hands of the next great generation. And how they invest in RED NOSES International leadership with all the partner organizations. With such a clear focus on the mission and to be there for people in need of joy. The efforts you take to be connected on different levels with important organizations and people in Arts and Health.

• In your view, what makes RED NOSES unique and how do you see your board role amplifying that uniqueness?

The way you are organized, the strong connection with all partner organizations.
The time and effort you give to develop your artists and programs. Great artistry!
The way you position yourself in the Arts and health movement, collaborate and take initiative.

• How do you see your board role amplify that uniqueness?

I think it is a great idea to choose two former Artistic Directors from other EFHCO member organizations who also have good international connections to strengthen a board like the Board of Trustees. So that we can support the artistic part of the work and its development in the whole mission of RED NOSES International from our experience as Artistic Director and being a healthcare clown ourselves.

• If you had to describe your personal leadership style as a clown character, what would they be like?

This character will sense everything in the room, will listen to you and loves to ask questions, will speak with a clear voice and will sing and make sounds, will be passionate and energetic, will need movement. Can be to too fast. Can be very inspired and inspire. Will embrace the ’not knowing’ , the non-sense and our power of imagination. Will go for it all the way. Is open for new things. 

• What wisdom would they bring to the RED NOSES table?

Sensing, listening, questioning, ‘not knowing’, imagination and soul.

Jacqueline Kaptein’s voice is a vital part of RED NOSES’ artistic spirit. For more about her background and influence, see her full profile on our Board of Trustees page.