Our Story

In the summer of 2018, a group of residents from the Wallen district gathered to discuss the growing crowds and explore ways to maintain a livable environment.

With the support of the municipality, they launched a campaign under the name "We Live Here" to raise awareness among visitors that the Wallen is not just a tourist attraction but primarily a residential area.

The goal is to foster understanding for the residents and request consideration for local living conditions. As part of this campaign, some residents had their portraits taken, and the resulting photos were exhibited on the streets with a clear message: "Feel welcome, but please behave."

Lange Niezel

Housing association 'Stadsgoed' temporarily provides a space on 'Lange Niezel.' An information center is set up here, adorned with photos of local residents. Local volunteers explain to visitors that three thousand people live in the Wallen, ranging from singles to families with children, all deeply rooted in this neighborhood. Residents who express their love for their community and are undeterred by the expectation that Amsterdam will attract an estimated 25 million visitors in 2025, with the majority likely exploring the Wallen. Residents "like you and me," leading normal lives.

In a short time, gaining global recognition - who would have dared to dream?

Initially, our center is quiet. We need to find our footing, and the duration of the project is unclear. We have no idea of the project's impact. Unbeknownst to us, the project takes off in late August 2018 when national and international media show up: Het Parool, Trouw, CNN, ARTE, ARD, ZDF, France 2 Bruxelles, ORF, Acces, BBC, and The New York Times, to name a few. We become the subject of the stunning documentary 'Overtourism' by Polish film director Michal Materna.

United States

An American woman passing through to Belgium shares that We Live Here was even discussed on an American radio station that fall. Despite her short stay in Amsterdam, she wants to make a brief introduction. Even four sturdy Americans from "Midwest, Iowa," on their first visit to Europe, are already aware of our existence.

Apparently, we're doing something right; it resonates with people.

Oudezijds Voorburgwal

Due to renovation work, We Live Here bids farewell to the Lange Niezel after a year and a half. Fortunately, housing association N.V. Zeedijk can temporarily accommodate us at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 136.

It feels like a new beginning. Unlike Lange Niezel, which is a busy street with mostly passersby, here it's predominantly tourists passing by. We often feel like a kind of 'VVV' (tourist information), with the most frequently asked question being: "Where is the smokeboat?"

World map

To illustrate the origin of our visitors, a world map adorns the wall. Dots on the map mark the hometowns of these visitors. After six months, it turns out that the majority comes from Europe. However, we also welcome visitors from the northernmost part of Canada to the southernmost point of South America, from North to South Africa, and from Asia to New Zealand. The diverse backgrounds of our visitors reflect the international allure of our center, making it a unique and global meeting place.

Oudekerksplein 30

The story at Oudezijds Voorburgwal 136 concludes in October 2019 when we move to Oudekerksplein 30. A beautiful space with excellent facilities, for which we are very grateful to housing association Stadsgoed.

Expension of activities

Our activities expand here. 'Red Light Arts and Culture' regularly provides captivating performances, we host 'a cozy neighborhood room 'twice a week, 'It's Ok' is present on Wednesdays, and the neighborhood broker holds office hours here. Additionally, the space is frequently used for various meetings.

It's fantastic to see the space being utilized almost daily.

Social impact

The project has a social impact as volunteers who may have lived within 100 meters of each other for more than twenty years get to know each other and spontaneously collaborate without strict plans. They let the creative process unfold. The number of volunteers steadily increases, and they assume various roles within the project.

For some volunteers, participation in this project means an escape from social loneliness. They may have wandered aimlessly for a while, but now, they find a purpose in their lives.

Galjaard Prize 2019

The best proof of the right communication approach is winning the Galjaard Prize 2019. This award is presented annually to an initiative in the field of public communication.

Despite strong competitors such as the National Police and the Municipality of Rotterdam, the expert jury awarded the Galjaard Prize to 'We Live Here' because it "opened doors in the most appealing and inviting way, both literally and figuratively."

Our 'storytel,' narrating a story through visuals, played a decisive role in achieving this recognition.

Clear message

We won't solve the crowds, but we can try to improve livability. "I live here, Enjoy it like you would in your own neighborhood" is a message that should make everyone think, no matter where you are.