Creative coaching with Kool Cult

Six young creators, each with their own style and ambition, are given the opportunity to grow through Life Cipher, under the guidance of three experienced coaches: Jop Vermeesch, Gert-Jan van Stiphout (together forming Kool Cult), and Alvin Schepers (Dookie). The coaching program offers space for experimentation, reflection, and development – exactly what is needed to evolve into an independent creator in a city full of potential.

Since the start in May 2024, the participants have already made significant progress. The first events have been organized, the young people are taking more and more control, and they are beginning to take their ambitions seriously. In the coming months, they will continue to build on their growth, each in their own way.

Familiar Faces

Life Cipher was created from the need to provide young talents in less traditional disciplines like videography, music, and breakdancing with a platform. The coaches use their experience and networks to help the young participants find their place in the cultural landscape. Over time, it became clear how important individual attention is. Jop explains: "Initially, we worked in group sessions, but these proved challenging due to the differences in the levels and needs of the participants. By having each coach guide two participants, we were able to work more focused and effectively. The big question 'how do I make my dreams come true?' was too big for many and required more focused guidance. Now that we have taken this on as coaches, the participants are showing better results."

According to Alvin, it’s important that participants in Life Cipher are given the space to doubt. “You often see them thinking: if I choose A now, I exclude B. But it's not that black and white. We help them understand that every choice opens new paths – and that a change in direction can also be a step forward.” Therefore, a lot of attention is given to reflection and conversation in Life Cipher. “Sometimes someone wants something just because it ‘sounds cool.’ I ask them: what does that mean for you? What does it bring you? And then you often see that there’s a lot more behind it – artistically, but sometimes also on a personal level.”

Taking Steps in the Right Direction

In addition to guidance, coaching at Life Cipher also involves providing structure. Creativity often arises from specific limitations: too much freedom can quickly lead to decision paralysis. Young people tend to think in terms of an end goal, whereas the process is meant to be the first step on a longer journey. By offering frameworks, the coaches help participants gain clarity and work concretely on their development.

Jop: “The goal is to show them the small steps they can take to get closer to their goals, without being afraid of making mistakes. The best insights often come spontaneously, outside of scheduled sessions. You need to ask the right questions, listen carefully, and mirror their own thoughts—so they can recognize what they really want.”

From Reactive to Proactive

This structure creates room for participants to make their own choices—and take responsibility for their own path. That’s exactly what Life Cipher is about: teaching young people how to actively shape their development instead of waiting passively. Jop: “Here in Heerlen, we often see people being reactive; the mindset tends to focus on what can’t be done or what’s not working. With Life Cipher, we try to flip that by letting them experience that they can create their own opportunities. When that realization sinks in, something shifts internally.”

Alvin sees how this works in practice: “People quickly bury their passion by focusing on what they can’t do. I always say, okay, but you really only need one reason why something should work. That’s the reason you should go for it, not the 200 reasons you’ve come up with for why it won’t. I spoke to a girl who really wanted to make music but didn’t have money for a microphone. Later, she told me she had barely eaten for two weeks to save up for the mic. She had it by then. This is a bit extreme, but that’s passion. And that’s what I want to see.”

Collaboration: The Power of Diversity

The collaboration between SCHUNCK and Kool Cult is a crucial part of Life Cipher’s success. SCHUNCK provides the young organization with structure and support, such as communication and finances, allowing the coaches to focus more on the participants. Gert-Jan: “We reach a target group that SCHUNCK has difficulty connecting with otherwise. At the same time, we benefit greatly from SCHUNCK’s professionalism and network. This way, we can make the most of both organizations to create joint projects.”

SCHUNCK’s stamp of approval is also recognized externally as a mark of quality. Jop: “When participants say they are connected to SCHUNCK, it opens doors faster for schools and other institutions. It gives them recognition and ensures they get more space to work on their talents.”

Network in Culture

Life Cipher offers more opportunities than originally planned, says Jop. "We had budgeted for four events, but thanks to the active cooperation of everyone within the city, we can now even organize two additional editions. One event will take place on May 4, and the other on the Thursday before the IBE festival. Our hope is that the final event, organized by some of the participants, will continue after Life Cipher ends. Additionally, we are in discussions with Vista College and SCHUNCK to establish a new program for creative entrepreneurs called 'Arts in Business' to further support participants in their development beyond the project."

The coaches find it particularly inspiring to see how participants are developing into independent creators. The entrepreneurs’ meeting 'The Gap', which after its first successful edition is now fully organized by participants themselves, is a great example. The participants' self-confidence and independence have grown significantly.

Sustainable Impact

According to the coaches, the biggest gain from Life Cipher lies in creating a sustainable platform for talent development in Heerlen. "We’re building an environment where young people discover that they don’t have to leave to make their dreams come true," says Gert-Jan. "This not only strengthens individual talent but also creates lasting connections within the city."

Some great results are already visible: participants are taking initiative and connecting with local institutions. For example, Luc, Gwen, and Marciano reached out to the municipality to secure better training spaces for breakdancing. These are powerful examples of how participants are actively shaping their own futures and how Life Cipher is already making an impact on the city. "Our dream is for Heerlen to become a place where new generations of creators feel at home, where they want to settle, and where they can continually develop their talents. Life Cipher is the first step towards that future."