"Introducing 'We Are Amsterdam - so alive': a photography project celebrating the people who make Amsterdam unique. Join us as I capture at least 50 portraits of Amsterdammers from all walks of life, showcasing the diversity and richness of our city. Follow the journey and be a part of the story."
#WeAreAmsterdamSoAlive
#InsideOutAmsterdam
Inside Out Action
London, Paris, Kyiv, New York...Amsterdam!!
About the organization
After winning the TED Prize on March 2, 2011, the French-artist JR launched the Inside Out Project, in his first TED Talk. Using his own artistic practice as inspiration, this participatory platform helps individuals and communities to make a statement by displaying large-scale black and white portraits in public spaces. Through their “Actions,” communities around the world have sparked collaborations and conversations.
Over the past decade, almost 500,000 people spanning across 148 countries and territories have participated in the Inside Out Project. Thanks to participants' donations, the project has reached all of the continents, with over 2,000 actions created. Actions have revolved around a range of topics: diversity, community, feminism, racism, climate change, education, children’s rights, and art are just a few of them. Posters are displayed in outdoor spaces that are visible to the public. These Group Action installations are documented, and shared online.
Together we can turn the world inside out!
Read more about JR and the Inside Out project HERE
MY PROJECT
"WE ARE AMSTERDAM - SO ALIVE!"
Amsterdam isn’t just about its canals or cobblestone streets—it’s the people who make this city come alive. With my photography project, We Are Amsterdam, I want to shine a light on the faces and stories that make this place so special.
I’m setting out to photograph 50 Amsterdammers from all walks of life—artists, entrepreneurs, people who’ve just arrived, and those who’ve been here forever. Before I take their portrait, I ask one simple question: “What do you feel when I say ‘Amsterdam’?” And then I wait. When their eyes light up with an answer—whether it’s joy, pride, or nostalgia—that’s the moment I capture.
For me, Amsterdam has always been a place where you can truly be yourself without judgment. That’s the feeling I want to reflect back to the city and the people who call it home.
This project is about more than photos; it’s about connection. It’s about celebrating the heartbeat of Amsterdam—its people.
STEP BY STEP
WHERE I AM NOW AND WHAT IS AHEAD
01
Action created and now visible on the Inside Out website
I created my Action, pitched my idea and got accepted! Let's make visible what makes this city so special - its people!
An action of the people, from the people to the people of Amsterdam and a message to the world!
You can check out my action by clicking HERE
02
Contacting the municipality to find a location
Currently I am working on getting in touch with the municipality of Amsterdam to find a location. Tips and ideas of all kind are welcome!
Update June: It's been months and I didn't get responses yet. Not giving up though because I know what this project means to people! :)
03
Making the portraits
I was walking through the streets of Amsterdam taking over 50 portraits and listening to each and every story.
I already shared some stories on my Instagram as reels, goosebumps!
Update June: I received so many heartwarming mails from the participants, it was such a blast and so emotional to hear your stories and share them. I hope i can give your stories a platform soon.
I even worked together with the Videographer Willem Roos to capture the moments for the documentary which will be produced about the Amsterdam Project to inspire artists, Amsterdamers, dreamers.
All portraits are a wrap!
04
Print time!
I will send the portraits to New York where they will get printed and shipped to Amsterdam after!
05
Let's make them visible!
The prints arrived 14.06.23 from New York in Amsterdam!!!
Now it is time to collect all members to paste their own portraits at the location and making their faces, stories and smiles visible!
Let's show Paris, London, New york how Amsterdam does community art projects!
The Dam? Museumplein? Vondelpark? Sarpahti...?
Send your ideas.
