Young people, newcomers and older residents all live together in the Buitenveldert district in Amsterdam. The neighbourhood has changed considerably in terms of composition in recent years. Expats, young families and a group of undocumented migrants have made their entrance. New residents of the Zuidas, the business district, have also become part of the neighbourhood. How do the residents experience this, do they know each other? Do they feel welcome and part of the neighbourhood?
Twelve special meetings between old and new residents took place. While enjoying coffee and cake, many enthusiastic ideas for the neighborhood and personal experiences were exchanged. The need for connection has often come to the fore, but how to give substance to this sometimes turned out to be a quest.
The portraits and stories were commissioned by the Open Mind Foundation and in collaboration with the City of Amsterdam for a traveling indoor exhibition to improve the sense of community and social cohesion in the neighbourhood.
Journalist Lara Aerts has turned the stories into texts.
