Information

who we are

The Red Blue Collective is a foundation aimed at empowering stories from Chinese diaspora. As guardians of these unique third-culture stories, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of the complexity of identities shaped by heritage and the experiences of living across different cultures. Our mission is not only to highlight these stories but also to empower our community by serving as a bridge between our roots and the diverse places we now call home. By amplifying these voices, we strive to contribute to a world where every story is valued—a world that celebrates diversity and inclusivity at every turn.

The Red Blue Collective was founded by Igrien and Kalun. Both of us started our careers in the corporate world before gradually transitioning into building businesses of our own. While our roots have always been important to us, the significance of our cultural heritage has grown even deeper since becoming parents. As we look to the future, we envision a world where our daughter can see herself represented, her voice amplified, and her stories celebrated. We want to contribute to shaping that future.

kalun

I am Kalun Chan, born into a Chinese immigrant family in Amsterdam in 1985. Like many families at the time, my parents worked in Chinatown’s Chinese restaurants, and I was primarily raised by relatives. After college I worked at an accountancy firm and became a certified accountant. I never really liked the job, but it seemed the right thing to do.
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In 2024, a severe illness landed me in the hospital for several weeks. During that time, I came to a realization: much of what I was doing in life lacked real meaning. I made a promise to myself to pursue a path with purpose and impact, no matter how small, to contribute something valuable to the world and society.
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Our main purpose of Red Blue Collective is helping younger generations of the Dutch-Chinese diaspora navigate their identity and heritage. As children of Chinese immigrants, we’ve faced many struggles unique to that, and we want to share the experiences, challenges, and lessons through storytelling—something we both wish had been available to our younger selves.

igrien

My name is Igrien, and I was born in the Netherlands in 1986. My family’s story is one of migration and resilience—my mother came to the Netherlands from Indonesia in the 70s, and my father from Beijing in the 80s. Growing up in a multilingual home, I was surrounded by Hokkien, Mandarin, Malay, and Cantonese. Yet, as my mother encouraged us to assimilate into Dutch society, Western culture also played a significant role in shaping my identity. This blend of influences has made me what is known as a 'third culture' kid, a theme that continues to inspire my work as an artist today.

Now, as a mother, it has become even more vital to me that my daughter knows her heritage—the paths walked by her ancestors, the challenges we faced, and the strength passed down through generations. Everything I am able to give her is because of the sacrifices made by my mother and grandmother.

Together with Kalun, I co-founded The Red Blue Collective to merge our talents—my focus on creative expression and Kalun’s expertise in cultural storytelling—to empower the Chinese diaspora. Our mission is to embrace and celebrate our culture, connect with one another, and foster openness within our community, ensuring that our heritage is not only preserved but shared with pride and authenticity.