The municipality continues to invest in young people. With the latest Youth Impulse funds from the national government, the municipality supports new and existing projects in the city. The goal is simple: more places where young people can meet each other, try new things, and develop their talents.
Collaborating in the city
An important place for this is the Tramkade. Here culture, creativity, and meeting come together, among others in the Clublab. Young people also contribute their ideas about what is needed. In 2024, they shared their ideas with the municipality in a manifesto. The main message: give young people space to come together, create, and experiment.
Alderman for Culture Mariëve Craste: “We believe that culture helps young people move forward. It gives space to discover, create, and grow. With these additional funds, we can invest together with young people in places where they feel at home, from the Tramkade to projects in our neighborhoods and villages.”
New plans for nightlife
An important project is the renewal of nightlife. Young people want a safe and inclusive place with room for new music and talent. Around the Tramkade, new activities started in February. Stichting Stoom is conducting this pilot. Young people help themselves in thinking up and organizing the plans. This leads to more talent development and a lively nightlife.
In the coming period, multiple projects will start. At Kunst Op Maat, young people follow workshops such as dance, rap, and visual arts. In Empel, a new outdoor meeting place will be created. Young people have contributed to the design. Theater maker Minoux is working on La Vie Bohème: a safe place where young people can meet and be creative. With Cityboost, young people receive help to realize their own ideas.
And through the youth platform Young Creatives of Festival Cement, young people meet around performances, exhibitions, and concerts.
In the summer of 2026, we will look together with young people at which projects work well and how they can further grow.