Work on the building is still in full swing, but a new talent development program will officially open in De Vlugt at the beginning of December. Young people can then develop themselves culturally and fully discover their talents. The first workshops by Adnan Atik’s Visible Foundation have already started.

“I help young people to develop through accessible performing arts,” begins Adnan. “Music, spoken word, writing, painting, graffiti, dance, film and other arts contribute to self-expression. Many young people in the neighborhood feel unheard. Often they come from a culture where it is not possible to speak out. Our workshops teach young people to strengthen their opinion. Also want to give their opinion.”

Known by young people

Urban Resort, the manager of De Vlugt, quickly found Adnan when they were looking for organizations for the new talent development program. “It is difficult to reach young people in Nieuw-West, but Adnan has a broad network. he ended up in the cultural sector, Adnan worked as a sports coach for the municipality. has gotten to know a lot of young people and knows what they need. Moreover, he himself lives in Nieuw-West, which also creates a bond”, says Shai Langen, program coordinator at De Vlugt.

From participant to teacher

“With our workshops we focus on young people from New West between the ages of 12 and 30”, Adnan continues. “All workshops are free and depending on the activity given in the calculations of 1 to 1. I hire professionals for this, but now I also have 9 permanent employees who started as participants themselves. We also organize creative activities for younger children, but with a little more convenient crafting or printing t-shirts.”

World of difference

“Workshops are given and usually last 2 hours at a time. In 8 weeks we work towards a final performance in which they present their talents to family and friends. It is nice to see how young people grow after a few workshops. Recently a very quiet girl attended a writing workshop. They kept things inside. But she could write very well and that helped her become more open. Unbelievable what a difference that made.”

Fixed place

Adnan founded Visible Foundation in 2019. He has been renting an office in De Vlugt since September. “I am glad that I now have a permanent workplace here. De Vlugt offers many facilities, including a theater that is ideal for final presentations. People also know where to find me. I will continue to do my recently started project Power of Words throughout the city. We give young people back their tribe with masterclasses by professionals. They learn how to present yourself, how to get a positive mindset and about journalism by going into the neighborhoods and talking to residents.” View the website of Visible Foundation For more information

Programming talent development

In addition to the various workshops of the Visible Foundation, young people can also register for IDClub. These are storytelling workshops for 18+, organized by the Storytelling Centre. Theater DEGASTEN goes further and organizes workshops. Look for the programming on the website of De Vlugt van visit De Vlugt at 125 Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan.

Additional investments

The talent development program is part of additional investments by the municipality in 19 neighborhoods in Nieuw-West. The extra money is spent on housing, care, meeting places, young people, the neighborhood economy and the environment. The aim is to make these neighborhoods safe and pleasant places where residents feel at home.