In Beeld is a meeting place within the Caermersklooster for young people in vulnerable circumstances, who are at that pivotal age between being a minor and an adult and who currently feel little or no connection to society. It is a place where coming together is central. Where, together with them, we build bridges to society.

In September, I joined the project and, one winter’s day around the fire, I asked: what if we made a book together? There were frowns and some awkward laughter, but curiosity led us to some wonderful conversations. The young people’s pride and affection for the place fostered a sense of involvement, each in their own way. We had a dictaphone, a typewriter and a camera. And we set to work, sometimes very cautiously and slowly, sometimes with unbridled enthusiasm. There were little chats with the dictaphone; many questions were asked, and some were answered. Photos were taken, scribbled on paper, drawn, stamped. I encouraged them, asked questions, gently challenged them and, together with them, sought a place for them in that book. Everything comes together in that book, which, with its idiosyncratic, candid and colourful collection of fragments, is a snapshot of what In Beeld has been over the past few months and what In Beeld could be.

De poort van In Beeld staat open op dinsdag, donderdag en vrijdag, telkens van 11u tot 16u

Lange Steenstraat 16-18, 9000 Gent

In Beeld is een initiatief van vzw Stappen en vzw Lejo