about
What is De Voorkamer?
An open space where cultures meet: a place to belong, a safer place for new experiences. By offering a platform for creativity and talent, we create a common ground to connect people from different backgrounds and together build a community.
Who are we?
Mission and Vision
De Voorkamer was first developed in reaction to the negative responses to the arrival of asylum seekers in the Netherlands. It opened its doors in Utrecht in 2016, creating a cultural meeting space to promote inclusion and redefine integration. At De Voorkamer, we use co-creation to stimulate and facilitate the talents of our diverse community. We aim for this initiative to grow through the ideas and efforts of all community members.
Through arts, creative processes and cultural practices, we create an inclusive space where people from different backgrounds can meet, connect and learn from one another.
By and For The Community
De Voorkamer is a non-profit organisation that grows from the energy and commitment of its community. At its heart are our volunteers, or Active Community Members (ACMs), who contribute their time, skills, passions, and talents to organise activities, host events, and develop projects.
Our small team of facilitators supports this diverse community, working together to make De Voorkamer a safe(r) space where everyone can contribute, build relationships, and help shape the community through exchange and creativity.
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Facilitator Team
Initiative Facilitator
Pim van der Mijl
On The Spot, Bouldering Together
Supports other facilitators, co-develops new projects, and helps shape De Voorkamer's organisational development
Community Building Facilitator
Yetunde Oludare
Dutch Language Cafe, Koffie en Chill, Community Dinner
Builds community through gatherings, outreach and neighbourhood partnerships, spreading good vibes wherever she goes
Artistic Project Coordinator: Design & Co-Creation
Jana Assaad
Coordinates our creative programme and supports collaborations between artists and De Voorkamer community
Queer Community Facilitator
Hoss Alfarra
Queer Space
Supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion across our programme and organises queer-focused events with partners
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Safe(r) Space Facilitator
Souad Attar
Develops and supports practices that contribute to a safe(r), inclusive and welcoming space for our diverse community
Community Building Facilitator
Carol Pertuz
Migrantour Utrecht
Supports the development of Migrantour Utrecht and shapes its role within the wider community of De Voorkamer
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Our Projects
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Language
Arabic Language Café
A weekly opportunity to learn and connect with others through the Arabic language
Sports
Bouldering Together
A weekly bouldering activity bringing people together through sport, connection, and community
Food
Community Dinner
Monthly shared meals where food sparks connection and cultural exchange
Meeting Space
Community Open Hours
A weekly moment to use De Voorkamer as a shared living room for whatever you need
Talent Development
Content Creation Team
A community-led team creating social media content that captures life of De Voorkamer
Arts & Crafts
Crafting with Textiles
A bi-weekly creative gathering where people connect through textile crafts and shared making
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Our network
Partners and Supporters
Join, support or get in touch
Use the links below to see how you can be part of De Voorkamer.