Cultural Strategist, Sector Architect, Policy Advocate
Chairman & Co-Founder, Go Cultura Foundation – Aruba
Arthur B. Loefstok is a driving force in Aruba’s cultural and creative transformation — a strategist, designer, and advocate who blends architectural precision with bold cultural vision. Trained as both an architect and graphic designer, Arthur applies a multidisciplinary lens to building the frameworks that allow culture to thrive as a driver of national growth.
As Chairman and Co-Founder of Go Cultura Foundation, Arthur leads initiatives that redefine the role of culture in Aruba’s development. From the National CCI Mapping Initiative, the island’s first comprehensive creative industries database, to the CreActivo Conference, which connects Aruba’s practitioners with global experts, his work consistently challenges limitations and opens new pathways for structural reform. His mission: to position culture as infrastructure — essential, measurable, and future-defining.
A Career at the Crossroads
Arthur’s trajectory sits at the intersection of:
- Cultural and creative industries policy
- Architectural and design-driven thinking
- Sector reform and governance innovation
- Creative entrepreneurship and ecosystem building
- Cross-sector partnerships with tourism, education, and government
With nearly two decades of experience spanning design, strategy, and advocacy, Arthur has worked with ministries, cultural foundations, NGOs, tourism authorities, and international networks. His work is rooted in one central belief: culture is not decoration, it is infrastructure — and it must stand at the center of Aruba’s future economy.
Flagship Projects
- National CCI Mapping Initiative (2024–2026): The first comprehensive study of Aruba’s cultural and creative industries, including the impact of Carnival and the sector’s contribution to GDP and social life.
- CreActivo Conference (2024, 2025): A platform uniting global experts and local practitioners to co-create a blueprint for the island’s creative economy.
- Paranda di Dande (2025): A reimagining of Aruba’s traditional Dande celebration, blending heritage preservation with modern cultural formats.
- Aruba Flag Documentary (2024): A cinematic exploration of the nation’s identity symbol, amplifying pride and critical reflection.
Public Engagement & Creative Platforms
Arthur is widely recognized for convening diverse stakeholders — from government leaders to grassroots practitioners — around difficult but necessary conversations. His initiatives emphasize not just performance but participation, creating platforms where local voices are amplified and global alliances are forged.
Methodology & Belief System
Arthur’s approach is unapologetically structural. He believes that good governance, bold vision, and fearless execution are essential to culture’s survival. His methodology blends design thinking, data mapping, and policy advocacy, always with the aim of transforming creativity into measurable social and economic impact.
Recognitions & Legacy Work
Arthur’s leadership has earned recognition across Aruba’s cultural, political, and economic landscape. His projects and advocacy have been endorsed and supported by the Government of Aruba, Aruba Tourism Authority, AHATA, CEDE Aruba, SMAC, Creatives and cultural entrepreneurs on the island.
Through these alliances, Arthur has positioned Go Cultura Foundation as a trusted cultural interlocutor, bridging grassroots voices with institutional decision-makers. His legacy work is building the scaffolding for a cultural economy that is both measurable and transformative — ensuring Aruba’s creative sector becomes a cornerstone of long-term national strategy.
Personal Perspective
Arthur sees himself not just as a foundation leader but as a builder of ecosystems. His leadership style is direct, forward-looking, and intentionally disruptive when necessary. By mentoring emerging creatives and challenging outdated structures, he works to ensure that Aruba’s cultural and creative industries are not only recognized but fully embedded in the nation’s blueprint for the future.