Open Call - The Spirit of Amsterdam

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call

THE SPIRIT OF AMSTERDAM IN 2025

For the 2025 festival, we are launching a search for the best weapons for a peaceful revolution, straight from the heart, right through the radical middle.

Yes, life is choices. But not everything is black and white. Or left-right. There are endless possibilities and intermediate paths, even though we are often led to believe otherwise.

As a result, it sometimes seems as if no one agrees anymore. The vast majority knows better. We do not ignore that in which we differ. And certainly not that which unites us. It is sometimes difficult to hold that position.

But that position, the radical middle, is getting stronger. That is not the silent middle. Or the silent majority. But a movement that excludes no one. Never the weaker. Never the unknown. Never the stranger. And not even an enemy.

WANTED: PROGRAMMERS

We are looking for program makers and entrepreneurs who want to shape The Spirit.

Are you that theater producer, director, entrepreneur, writer, DJ, visual artist, comedian, poet, dancer or other artist with revolutionary, loving plans? Or do you represent a (cultural) organization with innovative ideas? Then participate in our Open Call.

Think theater by Christians and atheists. Dinners with homeless people and bankers. A dance floor filled with lonely elderly and isolated TikTokkers. Choirs with Jews AND Muslims. A mystical labyrinth of A.I. light art. Modern dance by Russians ánd Ukrainians. Or meditation sessions with techno DJs. Take a look at the 2024 program to see what we have done so far.

WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF AMSTERDAM?

The Spirit of Amsterdam is a 3-day city festival in churches, mosques, temples and synagogues throughout the city. The festival will take place November 28-30, 2025. For more feeling and information watch our aftermovie, scroll through our insta or read the 2024 program.

What makes The Spirit unique is that each program combines three essential elements:

A house of worship as a partner and location.
Artistic programming, such as visual arts, dance, theater, or music.
A positive social impact.

Together, these elements offer a profound experience where art, music, silence, meaning and connection come together.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

We are looking for professional creators from every creative discipline: theater makers, filmmakers, writers, DJs, visual artists, and more. Cultural organizations are also welcome. Entrepreneurs and businesses can submit ideas (please!), but we will treat these separately.

You can submit a program that matches the festival's approach and unique locations. In addition, your idea must appeal to a broad audience and contribute to social change.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

Please read all the information below carefully first. You can then submit your plan and details using the form at the bottom of this page. There will be no unexpected steps in the submission process.

Assessment process and additional information

Join the Open Call only if you agree to the following.

You are aware that there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into The Spirit's program after this application.
You know that matching with The Spirit's locations is dependent on the preferences and abilities of those locations and their communities.
You understand that you are largely responsible for producing the event yourself, in collaboration with the venues, while the organization of The Spirit is supportive.
You are aware that venues are not naturally set up like a theater, dance or concert hall and you include this in your lighting, sound, technology plan.
You will be responsible for the promotion and ticket sales of your event, complementing the marketing and communications of The Spirit
You are open to feedback from the team at The Spirit.

The timeline

March 1, 11:59 p.m.: submission deadline
March 5, 2025: Everyone will be notified whether the plan has been submitted to the selection committee.
March 14, 2025: The advisory board makes a choice with the organization of The Spirit.
From March 14: Selected programs will be matched with houses of worship and supported in the area of fundraising
March 19 and 20: With chosen projects, we are working together on applications to some major funds. For this, these projects will receive a personal invitation.

Disclaimer

You may be reviewed positively by our committee but no house of worship is willing or able to accommodate your program. The organization of The Spirit has the role as matchmaker and director, not decision maker. Of course, we will do our best to find a suitable venue and date (November 28, 29 and/or 30, 2025) for you as well if the committee evaluates you positively.

It may be that your program has been selected and matched with a venue and you fail to raise sufficient funds for your event. Not even with the help of The Spirit's organization. In that case, there are 2 options:

1. produce a smaller version with the resources that are available.
2. cancel your program (this occurred in 2 out of 91 events in 2024).

Criteria

The selection committee reviews plans for:

Connection to the festival's goals and audiences.
Artistic quality and innovation.
Impact and social relevance.
Audience outreach and inclusiveness.
Partnerships and collaborations.
Feasibility and feasibility.
Financial set-up: budget and coverage plan.
CV and experience of applicant/team.

Grounds for exclusion

The following plans are not included in the assessment:

Plans with religious goals.
Plans that include aggression, discrimination or exclusion.
Incomplete or non-readable plans.

In conclusion

The Spirit is a small organization and cannot elaborate on the review of all rejected plans.
All festival tickets are sold through The Spirit of Amsterdam's ticket provider. Program makers can access the ticket environment themselves with their unique login information. Program-makers and The Spirit determine ticket prices by mutual agreement.
The Spirit makes its festival as accessible as possible. Amsterdammers with fewer opportunities such as the homeless, refugees and vulnerable youth/elderly are on the guest list. Also, The Spirit collaborates with the City Pass to give access to people with limited means. We expect all program partners to cooperate with this.