We invited everyone to reflect on reality and join us in breaking the silence around homelessness.
During Dutch Design Week (DDW), Stichting Springplank had a full presence with inspiring activities to raise awareness about homelessness. This year, the focus was on breaking stigmas and strengthening dialogue on this social problem.
The ‘Anti Text Café’ at BAKKIE040.
Here you stepped into a world without words - no menus, signs or explanations in text. It was a unique way to experience navigating without written language.
Indeed, for 1 in 6 people in the Netherlands, this is daily reality; they have difficulty reading and writing, making even something as simple as ordering a cup of coffee challenging.
The ‘Anti Text Café’ provided an opportunity to reflect on the importance of language and how essential it is for everyone to have access to this skill. Visitors discovered for themselves how to find their way, without words!
During Dutch Design Week, at the Kiosk on the bus side of Eindhoven railway station, you could see the special project ONE AND ONE MAKES TWO discover. This initiative, started by artist Frank Willems, connected people through clothing. For every jumper or T-shirt you bought, you donated a hoodie to someone in dire need.
Jumpers and T-shirts were presented especially for the Stop the Silence campaign, calling attention to homelessness. Staying silent reinforced prejudice. This campaign called for talking, listening and thus breaking the stigma.
Visitors could drop by during Dutch Design Week, pre-order a jumper or T-shirt, and help stop the silence.
Homelessness is not a distant reality, but something that can affect us all - a few setbacks, a wrong choice or a drastic event, and your life can look completely different. But we don't talk about that, do we? We are silent. And in that silence, stigma grows.
During the #stopdestilte exhibition, we wanted to show how close we actually are. How easily someone can end up in this situation. How easily someone can end up in this situation. How you, me, or someone you know can just go down this road. And how that silence - where there is no talking or looking - actually leaves more people in the shadows.
Break the silence. Stop the prejudice. Make space for connection and understanding. Together, we can ensure that fewer people suffer in silence or feel ashamed.
Welcome in My Backyard
In an inclusive society, everyone deserves a place, regardless of their background, opportunities or vulnerabilities. But how open are we really to people who need that extra bit of support? Think of (formerly) homeless people, people with an addiction history or newcomers. Do they also have a home in our neighbourhood?
Housing corporation Trudo and design firm Cocosmos presented a poignant project during Dutch Design Week 2024: Welcome In My Backyard. This exhibition confronted the resistance that often arises when vulnerable groups find their way into our living environment.
Springplank contributed to this project by focusing on the stories of #stopstill. These stories showed that vulnerability is not a distant concept, but something that can happen to anyone. Together, we were able to break the silence around this issue, create more understanding and contribute to a living environment where everyone had a chance.
