Since its foundations were laid, the Oude Kerk has been an integral part of the everyday life of its neighborhood and has been shaped by the local developments as well. Being more than just a church, people could come together and discuss things that mattered. Today, the Oude Kerk still keeps its doors open for the locals to express their concerns and opinions about the use of the church and exchange ideas. Many of the art projects also involve local communities in the artistic and research processes and local artists have also been invited to exhibit their works. With the many ties it is connected to its surroundings, the Oude Kerk is at the pulse of the rapidly changing city.