The Library of In-Between Stories is a project dedicated to developing and showcasing the narratives of young people in Delft. Through a six-month mentorship program led by Oudail el Omari, participants are given the opportunity to shape their perspectives in artistic form. At the end of the program the young people present their stories on stage at DOK Open in Delft.

A story can take many forms: theatre, poetry, photography, music, or visual art. Art that gives images and words to the experiences of young people in Delft who inhabit in-between positions. Those who can move between two worlds possess a particular strength. These young people identify with multiple worlds and navigate among them: between cultural, religious, social, or institutional environments. It may involve living between two cultures, transitioning from study to the professional sphere, navigating the space between inner life and the external world, or confronting dilemmas in love. Through their stories we gain insight into their life worlds, which resonate with those of other young people in Delft. They serve as role models in our community. By using art to share their perspective, they offer a fresh view on social and public issues—precisely because they can navigate different worlds. They learn to combine multiple identities and to move between varying expectations. In doing so, they can build bridges between worlds, here in Delft.

*This project is an extension of the online library “Bibliotheek van Tussenverhalen” It focuses on mentoring youth to showcase their stories through various art forms during an event organised and curated by Oudail El Omari.

Location
Delft

Year
2025

Venue
Library DOK Delft
OPEN Delft

Role
Programmer

Team
Dorine van der Wagt
Eli Burger
Lucas van Schie
Esther de Cuijper
Felix Stegeman

Project
Art event

Language
Dutch

Library of in between stories

Programma 2025

16:00 – Doors Open
Drinks and food will be served. Visitors can walk around and view the art created by the youngsters until the central part of the program begins.

16:30 – Introduction to the Program
Introduction to the program and what to expect. There will also be an explanation of the project, its intention, vision, and background. The young participants and their work will be introduced as well.

17:00 – İçimdeki Aradalık (film)
İçimdeki Aradalık means “In-Between Me” or “in-betweenness.” A three-part film about thoughts and overthinking. Through three moving images, Defne Aydogdu shows how young people can sometimes feel stuck in their heads, constantly overthinking and comparing themselves without taking a moment to rest. A world between the mind and the outside world.

17:15 – Panel Talk
A panel talk with youth workers, young people, and other possible stakeholders about the project, its importance, and their in-between position in society in Delft.

17:45 – The Weight of Small Shoulders (Theatre)
A 15-minute theatre solo performed by Annelies Alberto. A piece about how she sees the world and moves between her own perspective and how the world around her sees and expects things from her. A monologue in Dutch and English about being young in Delft.

18:00 – DNA (Music)
A musical performance by Damiano Pawirowijono. He opens the musical part of the evening by performing three songs in the R&B genre.

18:15 – BF (Music)
We close the central part with a musical performance by BF. He will perform three songs, including one in which he shares what he has experienced and how he experienced his youth. In addition, he will perform two festive songs as a celebratory closing.

18:30 – After-Drinks & Exhibition
After the festive closing, there will be drinks and snacks. Visitors can walk around with a drink and view the young people’s artwork. The works will be presented as an exhibition in the upstairs expo space of Open. Ahmed Alasalhi, Defne Aydogdu, Arda Aydogdu, Salomé Busurashvili, and Polina Yudina will present their work there.

20:00 – End