History & Development

In 2006, our journey with Culture Clash 4U (CC4U) began, born from a heartbreaking tragedy. A dear friend of ours at university, overwhelmed by cultural and societal pressures, took her own life. She was pregnant, and her partner came from a different cultural background—a reality she felt she couldn’t share or face. The devastating loss left us grappling with questions about the suffocating silence she must have endured.

As we delved deeper, we discovered that her story was not unique. The suicide rates among young people, particularly those from second and third-generation migrant families in the Netherlands, were alarmingly high. At the time, the Netherlands was home to over 200 nationalities, yet meaningful intercultural dialogue—especially among youth—was virtually nonexistent.

We couldn’t sit idly by. We felt an undeniable urgency to act. So, with no blueprint but plenty of determination, we began organizing theater debates. These unconventional gatherings tackled difficult taboos head-on: cultural stigmas, social exclusion, human rights, and inequality. We brought these conversations into spaces as diverse as the topics themselves—mosques, churches, clubs, and even cafeteria canteens. They were loud, chaotic, messy, and yet undeniably impactful.

Our efforts caught the attention of Kees Buist from STEK, who believed in our vision and supported us in becoming an official organization. This was a pivotal moment. Projects began rolling in, and our mission expanded. Beyond intercultural dialogues, we started organizing activities that empowered youth, nurturing their talents and equipping them to make positive contributions to society.

From talent shows to collaborative performances with Russian opera singers and rappers, our initiatives grew bolder and more ambitious. We hosted events in iconic venues like the Dr. Anton Philipszaal and Lucent concert hall—some spectacular successes, others outright disasters (like the one where military police had to evacuate the building during riots). But we learned from every experience and kept moving forward.

Over time, we created a lineup of impactful and innovative concepts, including Street Life, The Harry Springer Show, Hague in Peace, The Hague Youth Factory (HYF), Indutchables, The Hague Film Festival (THFF.nl), You Got the Choice, Stop Geweld Festival, Superhelden van Den Haag, The Media Time Bomb, Diversity Rocks, and more. These projects weren’t just events—they became platforms for connection, dialogue, and empowerment, reshaping narratives and inspiring action.

In 2016, a new chapter unfolded when we were introduced to the Erasmus+ program. This opportunity opened doors to Europe, bringing international partnerships, youth exchanges, training courses, and strategic collaborations into our fold. Through these initiatives, we extended our reach beyond borders, engaging with diverse youth and organizations across the continent.

Today, Culture Clash 4U stands as a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of cultural connection. What began as a response to loss has become a thriving platform for dialogue, empowerment, and change, touching lives and breaking barriers in ways we never could have imagined.