Rooted Festival – building a collective home
General information
Project name: Rooted Festival – building a collective home
Country: The Netherlands
Timeline: From 16 February 2026 to 30 April 2027
Lead Organisation: Stichting Rooted
Summary of Action
Rooted views diversity as a source of strength. When supported by inclusive policies and opportunities for meaningful participation, diversity enhances equity and strengthens democratic practice by ensuring that a broad range of voices shape our shared future. Yet in the Netherlands—where 27% of the population has a migration background—diversity is still too often framed as a problem. Public debate grows more polarised, with differences amplified rather than bridged. Equipping young people with the tools to build a shared society for all identities is therefore urgent.
The Rooted Festival brings diverse communities together to shift the narrative toward the value of plurality. In 2026, we aim to engage 500 participants—especially young people—to deepen their understanding of diversity, develop skills for constructive dialogue, and gain confidence to act as connectors in their own communities. The programme will include participatory workshops, talks, short films, panel discussions and music. These activities offer practical dialogue methods, storytelling techniques and strategies for inclusive organising. Participants will leave with stronger intercultural skills, new social connections and actionable ideas to implement in schools, neighbourhoods and youth groups. We choose the festival format because it resonates with young people and makes conversations about migration more open, accessible and hopeful.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project supports the following SDGs.
| SDG 5 | Gender Equality |
| SDG 10 | Reduced Inequality |
| SDG 16 | Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions |
| SDG 17 | Partnerships for the Goals |
Budget of project
€ 25.000,00
Contact
You can find the lead organisation on the following platforms: