A recent study highlights that refugee youth rarely share moments and experiences with their Dutch peers despite attending the same public schools in their free time. Additionally, a noticeable lack of initiatives and cultural events connects residents with the broader community.

Building on my experience working with refugees and my ongoing projects with young people and digital arts, I launched this initiative to create an inspiring space where young Dutch people and newcomers can share their stories, connect, and build meaningful relationships.

Workshops & Methodology
The project primarily engages young people (aged 10 to 18 years) from Amsterdam and the Refugee Centre Almere. Through a series of co-creative workshops, both refugee and local youths explore digital storytelling and photography. These workshops employ a hands-on, participatory approach, empowering young people to develop creative skills while reflecting on their cultural identities.

   

   Every workshop series is structured into several phases:

1. Storytelling and Self-Reflection: Participants engage in guided discussions and creative exercises to explore personal experiences, identity, and cultural backgrounds. This process nurtures self-awareness and fosters empathy among peers.
2. Photography & Digital Media Training: Young people learn the basics of photography and digital storytelling techniques.
3. Collaborative Creation: Participants work together to shape their stories, combining text, images, and sound into powerful visual narratives. The mentors ( I and a professional photographer )  provide guidance, but the creative direction remains in the hands of the youths.
4. Exhibition Preparation: The final stage focuses on curating the content for the interactive Pop-Up Expos, ensuring that each participant’s voice is represented authentically.

These sessions enhance technical and artistic skills and provide a safe and empowering environment for self-expression. By working together, young refugees and Dutch students develop mutual understanding and form new social connections.
       

Pop-Up Expos: A Bridge for Integration & Social Inclusion

The project culminates in an interactive (screen-based) exhibition Wie Ben Ik*
The newcomers and Dutch youths are the creators, crafting personal narratives that showcase their lives, passions, and perspectives.

The stories are displayed on special interactive screens in 3 locations in Amsterdam and the Refugee Centre in Almere. The newcomer’s digital stories are showcased in Amsterdam, while the naratives of Amsterdam’s students are shared in Almere. These locations transform into Pop-Up Galleries—both physical and virtual spaces—where viewers can connect with each other’s stories by linking their phones to the screens.

 

 These Pop-Up Expos serve as powerful platforms for social inclusion and integration. By presenting personal stories in public spaces, they:

• Break down stereotypes by allowing people to see and hear the experiences of refugees firsthand.
• Foster cross-cultural dialogue by providing opportunities for interaction and discussion.
• Create shared experiences encouraging empathy, reducing the social distance between refugees and locals.
• Empower young refugees by giving them visibility, recognition, and a sense of belonging in their new environment.

               Location screens: 1. AZC Almere, 2. Amsterdam Municipality Oost, 3. Laterna Magica School, 4. Childress

   Video about Maher                                                                   Video about Yona

Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie funds the project in partnership with Stichting Vrolijkheid.

 

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*Wie ben Ik? – Who am I ? in English