Vorige
'I See You!' project travels through the Netherlands
Heartwarming encounters between newcomers and local residents.
10 encounters that change the way a city is perceived
How can you truly bring newcomers and local residents into contact with one another?
The Museum of Humanity brings together 10 newcomers and 10 local residents. They are matched based on a shared interest, talent, profession, or hobby. They meet, get to know each other, and share their stories.
From these encounters, we create professional portraits, interviews, and short videos. These stories are then brought together in a large-scale outdoor exhibition in a public space.
This is what happens when people say, 'I see you!'
This is what happens when people say, 'I see you!'
“Everyone wants to be seen. And everyone deserves to be, too.”
From encounter to outdoor exhibition
The idea is simple:
10 newcomers
+ 10 residents
+ 10 genuine encounters
= an exhibition that invites the entire city to look at one another in a different way
What does it yield for a municipality?
Greater support & understanding
Residents no longer view newcomers as 'that group,' but as individuals with a name, a talent, and a story. In this way, the unknown gradually becomes known.
Reduction of polarization
Most people want to understand one another. But you have to actually meet. 'I See You!' brings together people who otherwise wouldn't naturally end up in conversation. Not a debate, but an encounter.
Making young people aware and resilient
Through workshops offered by our School of Humanity, young people learn self-reflection, respect, dignity, how to navigate social pressure, and how to see the human being behind the other person.
A lasting legacy
Through photography, stories, a mini-documentary, and potentially a magazine, the impact is sustained even after the campaign has ended.
Proven in four municipalities
'I See You!' is not a new experiment. Following its first edition in Zaanstad, the campaign traveled on to Den Helder, Hoorn, and Haarlem. In each municipality, the project took on a unique local character, featuring local participants, partners, and stories. And this is what that looks like!
The heart of the campaign:
The exhibition
The heart of the campaign:
The exhibition
The Duos
In collaboration with local partners, the Museum of Humanity brings together 10 duos—each consisting of a newcomer (such as a resident of an asylum seekers' center, a person with refugee status, or another newcomer living in the municipality) paired with a local resident based on shared talents, professions, or interests. Through their meetings, they get to know one another, after which our photographers and interviewers capture their stories.
The Exhibition in Public Space
The exhibition is displayed in a prominent, high-traffic location—such as a station square, a shopping street, a library plaza, or a park.
• Large photographic panels (known as "trotters")
• Stories told in accessible, human-centered language
• QR codes linking to short videos
• A mini-documentary
Additional 'I See You!' ('Ik zie jou!') Components
- Workshops for students (see below)
- Humanity World Dinner (see below)
What others say
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"The outdoor exhibition ‘I See You!’ is moving, fosters connection, and prompts reflection—as mayor, I am proud that such a powerful and human-centered project has come to life here in Zaanstad. I would like to invite you to engage with the Museum of Humanity to develop plans for an exhibition tailored to the residents of your own town or city."
Jan Hamming
Mayor of Zaanstad
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“Yet, within that division, there also lies an opportunity. Where there is distance, there is room for encounter. Through these portraits, the Museum of Humanity illustrates this beautifully.”
Peter de Vrij
Alderman of Den Helder
Also have students reflect on the topic of newcomers
Also have students reflect on the topic of newcomers
Through the 'I See You!' ('Ik zie jou!') project, students can discover the power of truly looking at others and being seen themselves. Using compelling portraits and personal stories, they engage in conversation with one another and then create portraits of each other—approaching the task with genuine attention rather than haste. In doing so, they experience what it truly means to really see someone.
The campaign budget covers two classes. Would you like to include more classes? That is certainly possible, with additional funding.
Humanity World Dinner
Bring newcomers and fellow city residents to the table
Humanity World Dinner
Bring newcomers and fellow city residents to the table
The festive conclusion of 'I See You!': around 80 residents, newcomers, entrepreneurs, and community partners gathered at one long table. Sharing a meal, exchanging stories, and getting to know one another. With dishes from various cultures and portraits from the exhibition surrounding us, the evening is filled with warmth, curiosity, and connection. No debate—just people sitting down to eat together. The dinner is part of the campaign and its budget.
Humanity World DinnerRemarkable duo from Hoorn
The meeting of Aida and Jip
Remarkable duo from Hoorn
The meeting of Aida and Jip
Make an impact with SROI
With 'I See You!' ('Ik zie jou!'), the Museum of Humanity creates genuine encounters between newcomers and fellow city residents. Your company can contribute to this through SROI (Social Return on Investment): support the exhibition, facilitate workshops, or provide financial backing.
Every euro you invest generates direct social value: you strengthen connections within the city, bring these encounters into the spotlight, and give newcomers a voice. The Museum of Humanity is a recognized social enterprise and a member of Social Enterprise NL, ensuring that your SROI investment is both secure and effective.
Turn SROI into more than just an obligation—use it to create real, meaningful impact.
SROIWant to know more?
Request our checklist of frequently asked questions, with no obligation
Contact us
'I see you!' in your city?
"The power of ‘I see you!’ lies not in the photograph and stories alone, but in the encounter that precedes it. When you truly get to know someone, the way you look at that person changes, too."
