JUNCTION: In Conversation with Shanti Ofori and Joran Tuerlinckx

This spring, a new initiative by Flanders District of Creativity, MoMu, and the City of Antwerp will take place at Het Bos. On 9 May, JUNCTION will take over the venue. What begins as a streetwear festival grows into a meeting place where creativity, entrepreneurship, and community come together. The programme highlights the Flemish streetwear scene and brings young makers into dialogue with one another. We spoke with MoMu community outreach coordinator Shanti Ofori and MoMu Young Voice Joran Tuerlinckx about streetwear as a shared language and about what can happen when young people are given space.

SHANTI OFORI: "For many young people, streetwear is a way to express who they are and what they stand for. It’s a shared language, a visual code that connects them. With JUNCTION, we want to bring that energy together in one day. We’re organizing workshops, talks, a mini-market, and an afterparty. The programme is shaped in dialogue with young people themselves, their ideas help define it. JUNCTION is part of the broader Antwerp.Fashion Festival in June, but because that period coincides with exams, we deliberately chose a moment in May. This gives young people the space they need. Through our city network, we bring makers, young people, and professionals together and create opportunities for connection. For me, JUNCTION isn’t a one-off event but a step in a longer trajectory of making local talent visible."

SO: "Participation is central. At MoMu, we work with MoMu Young Voices, our youth programme. They actively contribute to projects, sharing their talents and interests. For JUNCTION, we also formed an advisory group that helped outline the direction and themes of the festival. What topics matter? Which voices are missing? In this way, we build the festival together."

JORAN TUERLINCKX: "I have my own clothing brand, Pointless Confusion. I work with upcycled pieces, existing garments that I transform into unique items. I’ll be bringing some of these to the mini-market. Within hip-hop culture and other subcultures, many styles exist side by side. With my brand, I try to bring those influences together and build bridges between communities, with a focus on sustainability and slow fashion. For me, fashion isn’t just about clothing; it’s about connection. That’s also why I organize small-scale events myself."

JT: "I mainly hope to expand my network. Many young makers work alongside one another but rarely meet. JUNCTION can change that. As someone who organizes events myself, I also see this as a learning opportunity. How do you structure a day like this? What collaborations might emerge? That really interests me. There’s a need in Antwerp for more moments where young makers can connect. JUNCTION feels like a step in the right direction. It shows that streetwear is a full-fledged part of contemporary fashion. What I look forward to most are the spontaneous conversations and encounters that will happen throughout the day."

JUNCTION takes place on Saturday, 9 May at Het Bos. Free entry. Discover more about JUNCTION here