Between Images is a youth-led, youth-focused initiative. It focuses on creating structured spaces for young people with migrant backgrounds in Denmark to reflect on identity, belonging, and participation, and to contribute to public dialogue through creative practice. Young people with migrant backgrounds actively participate in Danish society, yet often lack platforms where their experiences can be translated into public voice and meaningful engagement in societal conversations. Discussions of belonging are frequently shaped at an institutional level, with limited space for young people to define and articulate their own perspectives. Between Images responds to this gap by creating a participatory process that centres lived experience as a basis for dialogue and public engagement.

Approach

The initiative brings together 16–20 participants from across Denmark in a facilitated process that combines reflection, dialogue, and visual expression. Through a series of workshops, participants explore experiences of belonging, visibility, and participation, and translate these into individual and collective outputs.

The process culminates in a public exhibition and moderated dialogue event in Copenhagen, where participants present their work and contribute directly to conversations on belonging and participation in Danish society. Participants are actively involved throughout the process, contributing to the development of content, shaping the dialogue, and engaging as co-presenters in the public event.

Contribution

Between Images strengthens youth participation in public dialogue, increases the visibility of lived experience in societal conversations, and contributes to the development of participatory models that connect reflection, creative practice, and public engagement.

The initiative also provides a practical framework for how institutions can engage young people as contributors to dialogue rather than as subjects of discussion.