Where artistic ideas grow into a company │Nøgensnegl
What is it like to combine creative processes and business development, and what can you get out of doing an internship in your own startup? We asked Iben Damkjær these questions. Iben is a master's student in Theatre and Performance Studies and did a project-oriented course (internship) with her startup Nøgensnegl in the spring of 2025.
As a student in Theatre and Performance Studies Iben brings a large portion of creativity, curiosity and love for the magic space that is theatre. A space where presence and community are paramount. But she also knows – and has experienced it herself – that it requires resources to go see traditional theatre, and that it can feel as if the theatre is only for specially selected groups of people. With the performance project Nøgensnegl (Eng.: Nudibranch), Iben is working to introduce the theatre to more people.
“Nøgensnegl is about using the theatre as a platform to ask questions about the world and invite into a space of immersion, presence and care. There is a fragility in meeting live, because we cannot control what happens or put a filter over the present.”
Nøgensnegl’s performances mostly take place outdoors. “Imagine that you meet some strange, alluring creatures with sounds of ocean waves in their costumes. They move slowly and they are very curious about their surroundings. These mysterious sea creatures are symbols of colours and imagination, and they bring gentleness and adventure into the urban space. At least that is our intention and hope.”
The idea for Nøgensnegl came about while I was alone on exchange in Stockholm after a breakup. I had just produced a performance that felt very result-oriented. I lacked meaning and felt that my worldview was limited. So, I started searching for funny animals on Google and the nudibranchs came up. There are 3000 species in different shapes and colours. They are hermaphrodites and they don’t see very well. So, they have a different way of being in the world. This “other” sensitivity and fragility inspired me very much. I couldn’t decode them, and that stimulated my imagination.”
Creativity and business
"Nøgensnegl started as an association, but since then I have set up a sole proprietorship. It was easier for me to seek money and get things done that way. I am the one who has contact with buyers and customers, I pay the performers and keep track of the practical and administrative tasks. Right now, it is the most efficient solution, but I do not think it is particularly inspiring and I dream of us becoming a team at some point. Because I miss the daily sparring. But I have not done it alone", Iben emphasizes. "The artistic expression is continuously developed in collaboration with the other performers, with dramaturgs and collaborators and in the meeting with the audience."
Creative processes and business development may seem incompatible. But for Iben it is a basic condition that the two are connected. “That’s just the way it is. You have to put food on the table. I don’t think it’s the coolest thing either – I would rather just do the artistic part. But it’s also a puncture of the romantic idea of making art and living on a rock.”
A new world opened up
When Iben began planning her internship, she quickly decided, she wanted to do it in her own company. By getting KU Lighthouse to host the internship, it was possible to get the internship approved by her department.
“It was like a new world opened up to me. Lighthouse was an amazing platform to amplify what I was passionate about. One of the best things was finding out that the students doing this type of internship came from different disciplines. It has been the greatest gift: following others who come from other faculties. Sparring with each other and hearing about each other’s projects. When you do that, you gain a different understanding of yourself and what you do.
I have recognized that I am very chaotic by nature and have gained insight an understanding of how essential it is to involve others. I have been trained to be generous and share – and dare to throw myself into deep water. The worst that can happen is a no.
The internship has meant a lot to me! It is an access to resources, to expertise – and also to care. To have people listen to your idea, hear you, see you. Help you along the way and ask critical questions, that keep you moving. My processes have become smoother and more qualified.”
Iben’s advice to other budding project creators and creative entrepreneurs: Have the courage to reach out, even if you don’t know where you’re going. React to what’s burning. Give yourself time to explore and play. “It’s so incredibly privileged to have an idea and then be able to use your study time, get SU, and have the framework to dive into it. Use that resource!”
