Rob Ahlers obtained his PhD from the Department of Arts, Culture and Media at the University of Groningen. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree in Arts, Culture and Media at the same university and graduated as a drummer from the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen, where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
His dissertation, titled Showcasing European Music Festival Networks: The Case of Eurosonic Noorderslag, examines the impact of festival networks on the wider cultural and creative sectors. In this research, Rob analyses how such networks contribute to the development of artistic talent, audience engagement, cultural tourism, and regional economic growth. His work contributes to the further development and sustainability of music festivals, while highlighting their significance as vibrant cultural phenomena with transformative potential.
His research interests include festival tourism, showcase festivals, and music (as) culture.