My name is Mabel Woodley, Brighton born, Amsterdam based.

I learned the importance of culture and the arts from a young age through conversation, be it in the car with my dad explaining the triangular relationship between reggae, skinheads, and Rock Against Racism, or in the kitchen with my mum discussing why a trench coat is called a trench coat. These moments taught me that culture isn’t just something to look at, but something to look through and engage with, a way of making sense of the world and of each other.
This point of view has been the foundational reason why I do what I do today.

I moved to Amsterdam in 2019 to study European Studies, majoring in culture. There, I became fascinated by how nations construct identity, how institutions mobilise soft power, and how museums and cultural organisations act not only as custodians of heritage but as civic actors with the ability to shift public imagination. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Art and Culture, where I deepened my understanding of how artistic narratives circulate, who has the authority to define them, and how institutions hold responsibility in framing meaning.

Alongside my studies, I built experience across the Dutch cultural field, in curating, programming, and production, for institutions big and small. The red thread through all my desk research and practical work has been the idea of promoting accessibility.

I chose the 30 Under 30 Mentorship Program because, at this early stage of my career, I felt it was important to receive guidance from someone who understands how to navigate the wonderfully chaotic world of culture. If you’re reading this, I’m sure you know exactly what I mean. I wanted a space to ask questions, gain perspective, and speak openly with someone who had already walked parts of the path I’m just beginning.

I was paired with an exceptional mentor who offered thoughtful advice and grounded insight, and the program also introduced me to a community of brilliant fellow mentees. Meeting everyone at the conference was a highlight; being surrounded by people who share the same passion, across early-, mid-, and established-career stages, was energising and deeply inspiring, and then to continue that with the program was brilliant. Overall, the mentorship gave me the confidence to keep doing what I’m doing.