E-News June 2025: Final Gatherings Before Summer 🌞 | L’Okapi Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As we move into the warmer months, L’Okapi is preparing to take a summer break in July and August. But before we pause, we’re thrilled to share a final round of events, moments of creativity, and a beautiful invitation to connect. Everyone is welcome, all activities are free and language is no barrier — creativity knows no boundaries. Neither do we! The events take place at the Bankastudios in Maastricht. Free entrance, but make sure to reserve your ticket(s) due to limited space.

** All events are free — just don’t forget to reserve your spot(s)!

Up next

SAT 7 JUNE
L’OKAPI ‘I SEE YOU’ NIGHT

Visuals. Music. Storytelling. Community. Connection.

Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bankastudios Maastricht (map) | 20:00–22:00

Join us for a powerful evening where creativity takes center stage in all its forms. What excites us most about this night is how it brings together different voices, talents, and disciplines to celebrate expression and visibility. Whether you come to listen, witness, create, or share—this space is for you.

Workshop with Anahi Clemens (17:30):
@anahi_clemens will lead a unique workshop focused on Visual Arts.

What to expect:
– A concert by the L’Okapi House Band and her Tribe
– Art installations created by and for our community
– An open stage where members of the L’Okapi community share their work (send us a PM if you’d like to perform or exhibit something!)
– A video clip showcase from upcoming local artists (got a video clip you’re proud of and want to share your creative process? Reach out!)
– Drinks and informal vibes to meet, connect and reflect

All are welcome, just as you are. Whether you’re a maker, mover, thinker or supporter—L’Okapi is a creative space where your voice and story matter.

SAT 7 JUNE DINNER & VISUAL STORYTELLING WORKSHOP

The World is a Museum

Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Bankastudios Maastricht (map) | 17:30–19:30 With visual storyteller & photographer Anahi Clemens.

Step into the lens of visual storyteller Anahí Clemens in this exclusive creativity workshop that invites you to see the everyday with new eyes. Whether you're an aspiring photographer or simply curious about seeing the world through a more creative lens, this is a unique opportunity to learn directly from a visual artist who captures the extraordinary in the everyday. Dive into creative observation exercises, explore the art of framing and storytelling through photography, and discover how the world around you can become your personal museum.

What to expect:
– A guided photography walk through the Bankastudios
– Hands-on exercises to sharpen your eye for unexpected beauty
– Reflections on how art mirrors our inner world
– Group sharing, feedback, and creative connection
– A delicious and healthy shared Community Dinner

No professional experience required — just curiosity and a camera (your phone is perfect).
Come discover the museum that’s been around you all along.

SEPT & OCT
WORKSHOPS & SHOWCASES
JUNGLE UNLEASHED

Save your spot now! Unleash your creative voice

From September 8 to October 9, 2025, the second Jungle Unleashed Experience will take place in Maastricht, this time in collaboration with de Nederlandse Dansdagen and Quiet Community Maastricht.

Dive into the world of creativity! During this 5-weeks program you’ll explore the power of creative self-expression as tools for storytelling and collaboration. Jungle Unleashed is a one-of-a-kind creative journey where dance, music, and personal expression take center stage. This is your chance to take part in a powerful series of workshops led by L’Okapi founder and singer-songwriter Charlotte Haesen and dancer/choreographer Laura van Sonsbeek.

Location: De Rink, Zoetmanstraat 75, Maastricht
Workshop Dates: September 8, 15, 22, 29
Time: 17:00 – 19:00

Showcase 1:
October 6 – Spiegeltent at Vrijthof (during Nederlandse Dansdagen)
Time: 15:00 – 21:30

Showcase 2:
October 9 – L’Okapi Night at Bankastudios
Time: 17:00 – 21:30

THU 5, 12, 19, 26 JUNE
VOICE & YOGA PRACTICE

Breathe. Move. Sing. Connect.

Every Thursday at Bankastudios Maastricht (map) | 10:00–11:30
With singer-songwriter & yoga teacher Aga Bukowska & Charlotte Haesen.

Jungle Unleashed (Voice & Yoga) is a weekly safe space where movement and sound come together to support presence, expression, and community. Through gentle yoga, breathwork, meditation, and vocal improvisation, we explore what it means to connect deeply—with ourselves and each other.

Each session is guided by a shared intention chosen by the group. We’ll move through grounding practices, use our voices in playful and intuitive ways, and close with a short vocal session focused on simple tools and techniques.

This is a safe space for all levels—no prior yoga or singing experience needed.

Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes you can move in.

Spotlight on

L’Okapi Artist
Aga Bukowska

Last few months I've become an official team member and a yoga instructor (every Thursday at 10, if you know you know) recorded my debut album "Heartspace" (with official release party on 11/09 during one of L'Okapi magical evenings  (link next to my pic)  and I also just started a  crowdfunding campaign (link next to my pic) to help finance all the production costs of creativity. 

All those moments were greatly encouraged by the safe and welcoming environment of L'Okapi.  

Additionally, I'll be a part of de Week van de Limburgse Pop Muziek hosting a little singer-songwriter concert in Banka Studios on the 10/06 with my fellow L'Okapi artists - Charlotte Haesen and Maxime Cathalina. Come by if you can <3  

xoxo, hagneya aka Aga Bukowska

“Music and visual art can express our thoughts and emotions in ways words cannot. Allowing for deeper connections —with ourselves, each other, and the world.”

L’Okapi Artistic Producer Sheida Najafi

For visual artist and social butterfly Deniece Clermonts, creating — whether through painting, fashion, or singing — is essential for processing the stimuli of a chaotic world. Known for her expressive ‘scribble’ process, interactive live painting sessions and various solo exhibitions, Deniece’s mixed media artwork explores the relationship between identity, self-expression, and mental well-being. Her talent comes to life not only on canvas, but she also guides the Jungle Unleashed art workshops.

SUMMER BREAK - July & August 2025 -

SUMMER BREAK - July & August 2025 -

"The process feels effortless, but the results are deeply resonating and meaningful. What I love most is how we connect in such an open and supportive space, weaving together our strengths to craft art that truly speaks to us all."

SEPTEMBER 2025: Jungle Unleashed – New Series at The Rink - UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

The first edition of the Jungle Unleashed experience brought together more than 30 participants for a series of workshops that explored the power of music and art as tools for self-expression and collaboration. This time Unleash your voice through music & movement this fall in Maastricht!
Join the Jungle Unleashed Experience 2025 — a powerful free workshop series led by Charlotte Haesen and Laura van Sonsbeek, in collaboration with Nederlandse Dansdagen and Quiet Community.

Location: De Rink, Maastricht
Dates: Sept 8, 15, 22, 29 & Oct 6, 9
Time: 17:00 – 19:00 (+ showcases)

For adults 18+ from all backgrounds
Free participation — limited spots!
Sign up before Sept 1:
www.lokapimusic.nl/events/jungle-unleashed-experience-2025

Interested in a Jungle Unleashed workshop or
programme at your school or for a company event?
Contact us to discuss options!

“Creativity knows no boundaries. It’s a universal language, a loyal friend in moments of joy, reflection, and struggle. In a world increasingly divided, creativity can bridge gaps—bringing people together regardless of backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives, reminding us of our harmony in humanity.”

L’Okapi aims to be a haven for everyone to play, listen, learn, connect or share what’s on their mind. Expect interactive concerts, skill-building workshops, thought-provoking talks, community gatherings, ongoing research, and, above all, lots of music. Whether as a musician or scientist, professional or amateur, student or caregiver.  Feel free to join!

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