Femke Lakerveld

Why an honorary doctorate? 

On 20th September 2024, Femke Lakerveld, the Dutch actress and chairwoman of the Vrij Links movement, received an honorary doctorate from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) during the Feest van de Vrije Geest (Festival of the Free Spirit). Lakerveld was honoured for her tireless commitment to individual freedom, artistic autonomy, and her fight for a secular, free society.
As an actress and public intellectual, Lakerveld advocates for freedom of art and expression. She emphasises that a free spirit not only remains true to its own vision, but also has the courage to challenge established norms. “A free spirit is autonomous and fearless,” Lakerveld said. Raised by a mother who followed her own artistic dreams, Lakerveld was instilled with the value of independent thinking, which later led her to her work with Vrij Links.
Lakerveld believes that art must be a platform for all voices, free from political or ideological pressure. She stresses that freedom of speech goes hand in hand with artistic freedom, and that everyone—regardless of power or status—should have the opportunity to speak out.
With this honorary doctorate, the VUB recognises Lakerveld's role as a champion of critical freedom and secular values, which are essential for a society based on respectful dialogue and sustainable progress.

“A free spirit is about autonomy and courage.”

Her career

Femke Lakerveld began her career as an actress and expanded her influence into various other areas, including cultural advising and political activism. She made her debut in 1996 in the film Hufters & Hofdames, followed by major roles in films by Eddy Terstall, such as Babylon and Simon. Her versatility as an actress was also evident in television and theatre productions, including Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden and Van God Los.
In addition to her acting career, Lakerveld composed music for films and played a significant role in the comedy series Alles Flex. She also became known for her satirical videos, in which she portrayed the fictional politician Mira Ornstein. In theatre, she worked with the company Factor 1 and performed in the production De Dood van Theo van Gogh (The Death of Theo van Gogh).
Lakerveld has also been a strong advocate in the cultural sector, particularly through her work for the Stichting Cultuur Ondernemen (Culture Entrepreneurship Foundation) and as an advisor to various cultural institutions. She is politically active as the chairwoman of the Vrij Links movement, which strives for a progressive, secular Netherlands. With her commitment to cultural and societal change, Lakerveld has become an influential voice in both Dutch culture and politics.