26.03.2026 • 10 Min.

A competition that grew into a movement. The European Open Body Art Contest in Lisse is more than a contest.It’s a meeting place for European body art – shaped by openness, respect, and a deep belief in artistic freedom. In this episode of Body Art Secrets, I sit down with Gerd Leeftink, founder and organizer of EOBAC.Because Gerd is Dutch, this interview is recorded in English – offering you an authentic, international perspective straight from the heart of the festival. He shares how the contest was born, what truly matters to the team behind it, and why EOBAC has become one of the most unique bodypainting competitions in Europe. ✨ In this episode you’ll hear: how the European Open Body Art Contest began – and why it was needed what makes EOBAC fundamentally different from other competitions more about the Castlefest and Cosplay Event why the 2025 theme “My Dream for the Future” was chosen where Gerd sees the future of the contest and European body art ? A personal note:The 2025 edition of EOBAC was especially meaningful for me – we won 1st place at this competition. Hearing the philosophy behind the contest directly from its founder adds a powerful new layer to that experience. ? Related episode:You’ve already met my models from EOBAC in a previous episode #21 Cosplay trifft Bodypainting– Interview meiner Models Natalie Shrimpa & Julian The Barbarian of Body Art Secrets.That episode is linked below so you can experience the full story from multiple perspectives. ? More insights: Instagram @https://www.instagram.com/julieboehm_official/? Exclusive behind-the-scenes: Patreon JulieBoehmART Lean back, listen in – and step into the pulse of European body art.