In a world where competition and individualism often dominate, the non-profit organization Kan Ni offers a welcome alternative: a place where being yourself is the highest value. This inspiring project was founded by sisters Kari and Nine Lodewyckx, two passionate women from the Kempen region with a shared vision of art, nature, and mental well-being. Together, they are building a community where inclusion, creativity, and the enhancement of mental health are at the forefront.
Who are the driving forces behind Kan Ni?
Kari and Nine are the heart of the non-profit Kan Ni. With their unique strengths, they complement each other perfectly. Kari is an artist with a background in graffiti, art education, and teaching. Her passion for social issues such as inclusion, gender diversity, and neurodiversity drives her work. She also has personal experience with chronic illnesses, which gives her a deep understanding of the challenges they can bring. Nine, on the other hand, focuses more on nature and gardening, with a strong emphasis on mental well-being. This combination of art and nature forms the core of their mission: creating a supportive, safe environment where everyone can be themselves.
What inspired them to start Kan Ni?
Through personal experience with mental health issues, they realized that there are still too few accessible places for (young) adults that focus on well-being and community. Kari and Nine saw a need for what they call “third spaces”: places outside of work and home where people feel safe and supported. With Kan Ni, they aim to provide such a space, where art and nature are used to bring people together and where mental well-being is at the core.
Although there are more initiatives for young people today, such as the OverKop House and Warme William, Kari and Nine focus on young adults who may have missed this support during their teenage years. Kan Ni aims to create a space for this group, where they can work on their mental health and sense of community.
What does Kan Ni do?
Kan Ni’s first major event is the “Boze Vrouwen Expo” (Angry Women Expo), aimed at artists who have experienced society as women. This exhibition goes beyond just art; it provides a platform for stories and emotions that are often suppressed. The expo combines artworks with the personal stories of the artists, with a focus on anger as a source of inspiration. By sharing these stories, Kan Ni hopes to provide space for voices that are not often heard.
In addition to the Boze Vrouwen Expo, Kan Ni has already organized several other projects, even before their official founding. They organized cooking workshops in collaboration with JH De Vonk, aimed at bringing young entrepreneurs together. They also organized graffiti workshops in collaboration with Graffiti-Coop/Colour the Streets, with a focus on inclusion in the graffiti scene. These projects are always tailored to the specific needs of the target group and offer a platform for personal growth and community-building.
What are their dreams for the future?
Kan Ni is still at the beginning of their journey, but Kari and Nine dream of expanding their reach and offering a more diverse program. They want to further professionalize and grow their community while continuing to tailor their offerings to the needs of their participants.
This includes:
- Kan Ni Cooking: cooking lessons that promote community-building and creativity.
- Kan Ni Gardening: basic gardening lessons with a focus on creating a communal garden.
- Kan Ni Talking: group discussions on topics such as mental health and gender.
- Boze Vrouwen Expo 2.0: a follow-up to their successful first exhibition, with even more room for female voices in the art world.
Who is Kan Ni for?
Kan Ni targets young adults and adults who want to build a community and develop themselves. This includes people with mental health issues, neurodiverse individuals, and gender-diverse people who are looking for a safe place where they can be themselves. Kan Ni offers them a space where creativity and nature go hand in hand with personal growth and connection with others.
With their unique vision and inexhaustible energy, Kari and Nine are determined to grow Kan Ni further. Their mission is clear: to create a place where art and nature are powerful tools for personal expression and mental well-being.
