DreamRiders - Workshop #1

DreamRiders is an art project for and with young people from across the Netherlands who have been affected by the Toeslagenschandaal (Childcare Benefits Scandal). Through a series of three art workshops, participants collaborate on an artwork that will be presented in The Hague in 2027.

Based on their personal stories, the young participants create art objects that become “Droomgereedschap" (Dream Tools) sculptures. During the creative process, they explore through theatre and movement how they can communicate their experiences and messages to others. Young people affected by the Childcare Benefits Scandal have expressed that they want to be heard. While public attention for the injustices has decreased, the consequences continue to have a major impact on the lives of thousands of young people in the Netherlands. They want their past and present experiences to be taken seriously, so they can begin to imagine and build a future again.

With the art project DreamRiders and the resulting installation “Droomgereedschap”, affaire lessen voor Nederland" (Dream Tools: Lessons for the Netherlands), the project aims to empower young people by transforming their experiences into lessons that can be shared with policymakers, civil servants, journalists, support workers, and other interested parties. The project makes visible what happened, what impact it continues to have, and what can be learned from the experiences of these young people.

The workshops are facilitated by Yasser Ballemans, Milena Boudinova, and Demario Romney.

Workshop programme

DreamRiders consists of three workshops in which participants explore together how personal experiences can be translated into art. Each session builds on the previous one and combines conversation, movement, theatre, and visual art.

Workshop 1 – Getting to know each other

Friday 11 September 2026, 18:00–21:00

The first workshop focuses on getting to know one another and building trust. Through short art-educational exercises, participants connect with each other and develop skills in collaboration, Deep Democracy, storytelling, and dialogue. Together, they explore how experiences can be shared in ways that create space for conversation and mutual understanding.

Workshop 2 – From experience to lesson

Friday 18 September 2026, 18:00–21:00

During the second workshop, participants discuss their experiences with the Childcare Benefits Scandal. Through conversations and creative exercises, they gather insights and formulate lessons for others. These lessons are addressed to policymakers, journalists, support workers, and other stakeholders. Together, participants explore how these lessons can be made visible and shared with others.

Workshop 3 – Dream Tools

Friday 25 September 2026, 18:00–21:00

The third workshop focuses on making. Based on the stories and lessons developed during the previous sessions, participants design and create sculptural objects: Dream Tools. Alongside the making process, participants practise how to communicate their messages through theatre and movement exercises.

Public presentation

After the workshop series, the developed Dream Tools: Lessons for the Netherlands will be shared during public gatherings at different locations across the Netherlands. Participants themselves will engage in conversations with policymakers, journalists, support workers, and other interested audiences. The Dream Tools and video works created by the participants will form the starting point for these encounters and will eventually become part of an art installation in The Hague.

Practical information

Participation in the DreamRiders workshops is free. As places are limited, advance registration is required.

Dates: Fridays 11, 18, and 25 September 2026
Time: 6–9 pm
Location: Education and Participation Space, Kunstinstituut Melly