Forum Groningen

''From the outside it is like a spaceship and the future is inside,'' says Afra as she stands right in front of the Forum. The futuristic design makes many a person take a few looks. A new surprise from every angle. And inside, a lot is happening. From entertainment to art and culture. Topped off with stunning views of city and surrounding countryside. ''There must be something exciting going on there. My favourite place in the Forum is that small, cosy room on the third floor, where the pool table is also located. I can also still get pleasantly lost at the cinema halls. It happens so often that I get out of the lift and think: where have I ended up now? There is a very mysterious atmosphere there, because of those red velvet stairs."

By organising unique events that break taboos, VERS makes its own mark on Forum Groningen. ''We introduce young people to other ways of thinking and remove prejudices. It should be a place where young people feel free to think and discuss. Not only does she teach them about theatre and culture, Afra also learns a lot from young people.

"Apparently there really is such a thing as generational difference. I am only 25, but already I feel that I grew up in a completely different time. I find today's young people much more activist and open-minded than what I remember from my own youth. It seems to me that they are taught much earlier these days that it doesn't matter what colour someone is or what someone's religion or orientation is. I think that is a very good thing. I also notice that today's young people are very serious about political issues like the climate, for example. They are really prepared to go to the barricade together for this. I think that's really cool to see."

''And have you seen the cool exhibition on the fourth floor yet?'' asks Afra. ''You have to see it. My enthouasiastic colleague Jos will be happy to tell you more about it. He takes you through decades of gaming history. Game On is about more than fifty years of video games. From the first game with few pixels to today's technical masterpieces. From paying 25 cents for a round to game consoles in living rooms. From Pong to Minecraft. ''Although the first computer game came out in 1971, it really started to grow in the 1980s with the arcades,'' says Jos. In the years that followed, companies like Sony, Nintendo and Sega developed countless games. And not just for the young. Everyone has a thing for them. ''Who doesn't want to race, fly or be an animal?'' The two exhibition halls with countless games from days gone by evoke nostalgia for many visitors. The games of the past are relived. ''It makes everyone a little child again.''

Finally, Afra has some tips for you. After all, Groningen is her home port. With plenty of spots worth checking out. At points or sometimes just around the corner. "Backbone is such a valuable but undiscovered place where I like to be. The former schoolgebouw with BMX and skate park is literally the backbone for youth culture in Groningen.'' She also enjoys going to the theatre. Preferably to the Grand Theatre. With local and national exhibitions. There is always something to see. ''Feel free to take a look there. You really don't have to be posh or dressed up to go to the theatre. But just go, because it's a lot of fun.'' Furthermore, she finds the Orange neighbourhood near the Noorderplantsoen a fantastic area to walk through. ''That's not so much hidden, but it's lovely to look at houses there. And I end the day at Café de Bres. Such a typical brown pub we can be proud of in Groningen.''