Creative Communities as Bridges

In an increasingly globalized world, migration continues to shape the cultural and social dynamics of host societies. This raises important questions about how migrants engage with their new environments, not merely through everyday, informal practices. Cultural participation plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social integration. This study explores how cultural participation spaces such as dance collectives, theatre groups, pottery workshops, or creative writing circle, support the social integration of expatriates in the Netherlands. These creative communities function not only as outlets for artistic expression but also as vital platforms for building social networks, fostering a sense of belonging, and navigating identity in a new cultural context. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of cultural capital, social capital, sense of community, and social identity theory, this research employs a qualitative methodology that includes preliminary site visits and in-depth semi-structured interviews with recent expatriates engaged in three distinct cultural spaces. Using thematic analysis, six overarching themes emerged: (1) Negotiating Belonging and Community, (2) Cultural Capital and Creative Expression as Tools of Integration, (3) Building Social Capital through Participation, (4) Identity Transformation and Self-Exploration, (5) The Role of Language: Bridge or Barrier?, and (6) Inclusion and Accessibility: Structural and Perceived Barriers. Findings show that these cultural spaces act as dynamic sites for connection, emotional resilience, and identity negotiation. However, despite their informal and inclusive nature, participants still faced barriers related to cost, language dominance, and limited interaction with local Dutch residents. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the social dimensions of expatriate life and underscores the importance of creative, community-based cultural practices in fostering inclusive and socially cohesive urban environments.