Niek Kosten

Manifest voor Winterslag Cité

Identity is not an obvious aspect for the multicultural and relatively young community of Winterslag (Genk, BE). The allochtonous youth is confronted with problems in its search for identity. The bond that once existed between miners is fading away over time. Therefore, Manifest voor Winterslag Cité aims to visualise the complex and multilayered idea of identity through a number of social-graphic experiments. Materialising the visual vernacular of Winterslag Cité is a possibility of drawing attention the unique history and identity of the local community. In the end, this might stimulate the diminished social cohesion.

The result of this research project is a manifesto that is published by a fictional citizens' movement that aims to revive the strong sense of solidarity among the residents. Next to a rousing text—set in a new ‘hybrid’ alphabet,the manifesto contains the results of the social-graphic experiments that each researched themes like physical geography, language, environment, and history through a co-created personal map, a new flag design and multiple photo-ethnographies, among others. The manifesto takes form as a newspaper with take-out pages that also serve as posters, calling on everyone to come together and carry out their pride for their community and shared identity.

The project was exhibited at:
- Conflict & Design, 7th Triennial for Design in Flanders (C-mine, Genk, BE)
- COALFACE Gallery (Genk, BE)
- I.D.E.A. Education Award Exhibition by ISIA Florence (Sete Sòis Sete Luas, Pontedera, IT)

🔗 www.lannoo.be/en/conflict-design
📷 www.kristof-vrancken.com (1)

1. Conflict & Design, 7th Triennial for Design in Flanders

2. Exhibition 'WTS' at COALFACE Gallery with Nele Bronckaers