An art project by Kenneth A. Balfelt in collaboration with Nicolai Carlberg, ethnologist, Matilde Nordseth, illustrator/animator, Johan August, project developer, Kulturanstalten Vesterbro and students from Oehlenschlægersgades School, curated by Kunsthallen Nikolaj under ArtReach. Website developed by Maitri.dk and produced by Haandholdt.
GrApp your identity (GrApp.dk) gives children and young people from different ethnic backgrounds more knowledge about their country of origin, its culture and religion. The idea for GrApp is based on the insight that we as humans are less inclined to assimilate or engage in dialogue with the foreign or unknown - e.g. the Danes - as long as we are uncertain about our own background and identity. At the same time, this uncertainty often prevents young people from engaging in dialogue with the outside world about conditions in their country of origin or religion.
The purpose of GrApp is to give these young people the opportunity to gain knowledge that can help them form a more holistic identity, based on real knowledge about their cultural origins and the encounter with Danish. We simply believe that this will enable them to enter into a positive dialogue with the world in which they live.
GrApp wants young people to be able to better participate in and contribute to society, which we consider important for all people, and at the same time, they will be better able to get something positive out of our community.
GrApp will first be presented as a prototype (beta version) to 12-15 year olds originating from Pakistan, Morocco and Turkey. The first prototype will, during a research period, clarify how GrApp best reaches young people and what knowledge is interesting to them. In addition, we can gain knowledge about what inspires them to continue their search for cultural knowledge.
GrApp will then enter into partnerships with new partners, as the idea is that the prototype will be further developed and distributed to the rest of the country's libraries, cultural centers, housing and other associations with members of other ethnic backgrounds. A potential collaboration with elementary schools is also conceivable.