We OK! is a collaborative art project that brings together young people, artists and the local communities of Breda. Together with artist David Bade, I worked alongside young participants from the neighbourhoods of Heuvel, Haagse Beemden and Hoge Vucht, creating new work inspired by their surroundings, experiences and perspectives.
The project explored themes such as enjoyment, belief and rebellion, encouraging the participants to experiment freely and turn everyday materials into something new. Nothing was off limits, from discarded objects and scrap materials to furniture from second-hand shops and even a car wreck. Through this process, the young participants created colourful, unexpected and challenging artworks.
For me, We OK! was an opportunity to explore a more participatory way of working as an artist. Together with David Bade and the other young artists involved: Floor Snels, Daan van Bommel, Bobbi Cleij, Jan Janssens, Stijn Ros and Jesse Paauwe, I worked directly with the participants, learning how art can become a tool for collaboration, self-expression and connection.
The project developed from the neighbourhoods into the museum. After months of creating work together, the participants were also involved in developing ideas for the final exhibition at Stedelijk Museum Breda. Their work, together with work by David Bade, was presented in We OK!, opening on April 24, 2026.
