Storytelling Centre

Name

Storytelling Centre

Legal name

Stichting Storytelling Centre

Website

https://storytelling-centre.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Development and Storytelling Training Services

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190), Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (71151)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Creative Writing & Storytelling (Fiction, Poetry, Memoir) (EDAAAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Creative Writing & Storytelling (Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting) (EDAMAAAI), Spoken Word & Performance Poetry Workshops (EDAMAMAM)

Keywords

• Applied storytelling training
• Corporate storytelling workshops
• Community storytelling programs
• Theater production services
• Storytelling methodology publishing

Headquarters

HQ city

Amsterdam

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Training and Workshop Fees: Professional storytelling training services sold to businesses, institutions, and NGOs. Pricing based on duration (half-day to 3-day programs) and group size. Online and in-person options available.
2. Theater Production Revenue: Ticket sales from theater performances produced by Storytelling\Theater Lab. Includes annual Portraits series, special productions, and school performances.
3. Book Sales: Sale of publications including 'Sterker staan met je Eigen Verhaal', 'Storytelling en de Wereld', 'Storytelling en Polarisatie', and 'The World is Storytelling'.
4. EU Project Funding: Co-financing and grants from European Union Erasmus+ programs for international development projects in conflict resolution, diversity, and youth empowerment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Storytelling Centre is a Dutch non-profit foundation that provides applied storytelling services through three integrated offerings: training programs (half-day, 1-day, and 3-day workshops for businesses, government, NGOs, educational institutions, and individuals), live theater productions via its Storytelling\Theater Lab, and a knowledge bank of methodologies and published books. The core proprietary methodology is Share to Connect, a framework for applying storytelling to youth work, community building, conflict resolution, team engagement, and second-language learning for low-literacy learners.

Product overview

Storytelling Centre operates as a service organization offering applied storytelling across four interconnected areas: training programs for personal growth, social impact, and language development; theater productions through Storytelling\Theaterlab; a knowledge bank containing methodologies and publications; and various community projects. The core offering is the Share to Connect methodology, a framework for applying storytelling in youth work and community settings. Training services include corporate programs (Sterker Staan met je Bedrijf), personal development workshops, youth worker training, and specialized programs for second language learning (Alternative Ways) and employment (The Power of Art). Theater productions include annual shows like Portraits and PLAY // NO PLAY, along with specific productions addressing identity and diversity themes. The knowledge bank contains books including 'Sterker staan met je Eigen Verhaal,' 'Storytelling en de Wereld,' and 'Storytelling en Polarisatie,' documenting the organization's methodologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Storytelling\Theater Lab: Theater productions and performances by Storytelling Centre
• Amsterdam Storytelling Festival

Products and services

• Storytelling Training for Companies Corporate storytelling workshops and training programs designed to strengthen employee engagement, vision alignment, and team cohesion through the Share to Connect methodology. Offered in half-day, full-day, and 3-day formats, in-person and online, for groups of 8+ participants.
• Personal Development Storytelling Training (Sterker Staan) Individual and group training programs focused on personal growth through storytelling, helping participants develop self-confidence, self-reflection, and the ability to articulate personal narratives. Includes the 'Sterker Staan met je Bedrijf' corporate version.
• Share to Connect Method The core proprietary methodology developed by Storytelling Centre for applying storytelling in youth work and community settings. Currently used in 7 countries by 23 trained individuals. Designed to build resilience, intercultural dialogue, and community strength through narrative techniques.
• Storytelling\Theater Lab The theater production arm of Storytelling Centre, creating live storytelling performances with personal stories as a starting point. Produces socially relevant productions including 'PLAY // NO PLAY' and the annual 'Portraits' showcase for urgent stories.
• Amsterdam Storytelling Festival Annual storytelling festival showcasing professional and semi-professional storytellers. Won Amsterdam Fringe Gold Award 2017.
• Knowledge Bank (Kennisbank) A comprehensive knowledge repository containing storytelling methodologies, techniques, and publications developed since the organization's founding in 2012. Includes specific methods for soft skills development, conflict mediation, and second language learning.
• Youth Worker Training Programs Specialized training for youth workers and social professionals using the Share to Connect method to build youth resilience and community strength. International reach across 7 countries.
• Alternative Ways - Second Language Learning EU-funded Erasmus+ project developing a toolkit for language trainers working with low-literacy learners, using storytelling methods to facilitate second language acquisition for refugee integration.
• Osdorp de Vertellende Wijk Multi-faceted neighborhood project in Amsterdam Osdorp using storytelling to connect residents across cultures, generations, and social backgrounds. Included Radio Osdorp, Jong ontmoet Oud, De Smaak van Osdorp, and other components with 163 participants over 2 years.
• Kingdom of Fire and Clay Theater production by Raphael Rodan and Sahand Sahebdivani exploring extremism, radicalization, and dialogue between Israeli and Iranian cultures. Performed over 70 times in 7 countries, combining classical Jewish and Iranian stories with personal narratives.
• Portraits Annual Theater Annual theater project showcasing 3-5 young (semi-)professional storytellers sharing urgent personal stories on societal topics. Each year focuses on different themes including radicalization, discrimination, and identity.
• Living Library Programs Interactive programs where individuals trained as 'living books' share personal stories with listeners in one-on-one settings, promoting dialogue and breaking down prejudices across cultures.
• Storytelling en Polarisatie (Book) Book by Hester Tammes and Arjen Barel explaining how story sharing can help combat polarization, with theory and practical examples.
• Storytelling en de Wereld (Book) Book by Arjen Barel documenting the organization's six-year journey in applied storytelling, including the Share to Connect method for the international market.

Quantifiable outcome

• 523-2200 theater audience members reached per production
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Een Ander Joods Geluid (EAJG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2017Initiated Living Library for Palestinian/Israeli listening edition marking 50-year occupation, 70-year UN partition plan, and 100-year Balfour Declaration.
• Shokkin' Group NetherlandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-development partner for Power of Art project in Amsterdam Nieuw-West and Liverpool Toxteth. Fouad Lakbir, co-founder, also works as storytelling coach at Storytelling Centre.
• Daadkr8 / Gouden MannencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for project helping men exit social isolation through storytelling. Project focuses on dignity and self-worth beyond bureaucratic dossiers.
• Fondation La SqalaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrison project collaboration for creative personal development in Morocco.
• Yallah Young Leaders (Palestina)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean project partner for youth leadership and storytelling training in Palestine.
• Arbeit und Leben NRW (Duitsland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean partner for Share to Connect training program implementation.
• Solde Mayo (Frankrijk)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench partner for Share to Connect methodology implementation.
• Kids4PeacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor partner in Israel/Palestine for 2-year youth storytelling program. 32 trainers trained for local communities focusing on reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
• Jerusalem Peace BuilderscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for building bridges through storytelling in Israel/Palestine region.
• Neve-Shalom/Wahat Al-SalaamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsraeli-Palestinian peace village partner for intercultural dialogue programs.
• Arava InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental and peace studies institute partner in Israel.
• Women Wage PeaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsraeli-Palestinian women's peace movement partnership.
• Yala Young LeadersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth leadership development partner in Palestine.
• ELAN Intercultural (Frankrijk)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean partner for Aladdin inter generational project. Senior trainers learning storytelling to help disadvantaged youth.
• Képes Alapítvány (Hongarije)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHungarian partner for inter-generational storytelling project.
• Demà (Spanje)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpanish partner for inter-generational storytelling initiative.
• Superact (Engeland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK partner for inter-generational storytelling project.
• OBA (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Living Library events and various storytelling programs. Co-organizer of community engagement initiatives.
• Cafe MezrabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome of Stories venue and partner for theater productions. Storytelling Festival venue. Home base for Sahand Sahebdivani.
• Podium MozaïekminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partner for Gelukszoeker theater production.
• International Queer & Migrant FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFestival partner for The Man Who Danced Alone production about LGBT+ community in Morocco.
• Stichting ART1coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for diversity and social safety programming in Amsterdam.
• Hogeschool van AmsterdamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner where Arjen Barel teaches Storytelling and Presentation. Collaborative research on using stories as research material.
• Train of FutureminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean project partner for Meeting the Other workshop on Moroccan migration identity.
• Lokale bewoners uit OsdorpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity participants and co-creators for Osdorp de Vertellende Wijk program including Radio Osdorp, Jong ontmoet Oud, and De Smaak van Osdorp.
• Andalusisch OrkestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusical ensemble partner for Marok(k)anen huilen niet theater production.
• Humanity House Den HaagminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Living Library Palestinian/Israeli edition.
• Essalam Moskee RotterdamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue for Living Library event.
• Joods Historisch Museum AmsterdamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue partner for Living Library Palestinian/Israeli edition.
• EcoMeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsraeli environmental organization partner for storytelling initiatives.
• Bereaved Families ForumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsraeli-Palestinian forum of bereaved families partner for peacebuilding.
• Beit AlmusikaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic venue and cultural center partner in Israel.
• Harduf CentresminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational center partner in Israel for storytelling programs.
• Givat HavivaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsraeli educational institute for peace and coexistence.
• Amsterdam MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCultural institution partner listed among logos on website.
• Don Bosco StichtingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial organization partner for youth work and education.
• TU DelftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical university partner for storytelling applications.
• HvA (Hogeschool van Amsterdam)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSymposium partner for photography and storytelling bridge-building research.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Story Center: The Story Center is a US non-profit specializing in digital storytelling workshops and methodology for social impact, health, and community work. Comparable in methodology-driven approach and training delivery, though more focused on digital/video production.
• StoryCorps: StoryCorps is a US non-profit that records and preserves personal stories to foster connection and understanding. Highly comparable to Storytelling Centre's mission of using personal narrative for community building, social cohesion, and intercultural dialogue.
• True Story Theater: True Story Theater is a US non-profit using improvised theater to bring personal stories to life for community building and social change. Comparable as a small non-profit combining live storytelling performance with social impact mission and training methodology.
• Narrative 4: Narrative 4 is an international non-profit that uses personal story exchange to build empathy and break down barriers between divided communities. Directly comparable in applying storytelling methodology to conflict resolution, youth work, and reconciliation - overlapping with the Share to Connect method.
• The Moth: The Moth is a global storytelling platform producing live true-storytelling events, workshops, and a popular podcast. Directly comparable to Storytelling Centre's live storytelling performance and workshop business model, though operating at much larger scale in the US and UK.
• School of Storytelling (UK): School of Storytelling is a UK-based organization running storytelling training, courses, and events for personal and professional development. Closely comparable in offering multi-day storytelling workshops, training programs, and serving both individual and institutional clients in Europe.
• Catharsis Productions: Catharsis Productions uses interactive storytelling and theater to address social issues including mental health, prejudice reduction, and community dialogue. Comparable in combining applied storytelling with measurable social impact outcomes and B2B workshop delivery.

Others

• National Storytelling Network: National Storytelling Network is a US-based membership organization supporting the storytelling community through festivals, publications, and professional development. A peer in the storytelling ecosystem with an industry-association role rather than direct service competition.
• Applied Improvisation Network: Applied Improvisation Network is a global professional community for practitioners using improvisation and storytelling in organizational, educational, and therapeutic contexts. Comparable as an adjacent training methodology community serving similar corporate and institutional clients.

Broad incumbents

• Second City: Second City is a global entertainment and training brand offering improv and storytelling workshops for corporate and consumer audiences. A broad incumbent in the applied storytelling/comedy training space with significantly larger scale and corporate reach than Storytelling Centre.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/StorytellingCentre
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/storytelling-centre
• Instagraminstagram.com/storytelling_centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Storytelling Centre