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. A revolution that begins in Amsterdam' s houses of worship. Places of peace, silence, imagination, mysticism and each other.

The 2024 festival was new to everyone. As a result, information about programming, agreement, funding and permitting came in piecemeal. Now we know better what to expect.

On this page, we take you through the big picture. After reading this, you will know what the Spirit year looks like for your location and what the key deadlines are.

📌 Please note: There can always be unexpected changes in schedule or content. Should that happen, The Spirit will communicate about it.

The Spirit of Amsterdam is a 3-day city festival in churches, mosques, temples and synagogues throughout the city.

🗓️ Festival Dates: November 28 to 30, 2025

For more atmosphere and inspiration:
📽️ Watch the aftermovie
📸 Scroll through our Instagram
📖 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 venue
✅ Artistic programming (visual arts, dance, theater or music)
✅ A positive social impact

These elements create a profound experience where art, music, silence, meaning and connection come together.

All "sacred" locations from Amsterdam are welcome to participate. This term is broad:

• Houses of worship such as churches, mosques, temples and synagogues
• Former places of worship still known as such
• Locations where ceremonies or services are held that fit The Spirit

📌 Important:

• Your location aligns with the mission and vision of The Spirit.
• You are contributing to a peaceful revolution, as articulated in our Open Call.
• The programming may be primarily spiritual or meaningful in nature, but the festival is not a religious event / has no religious objectives.

• Locations that apply will be matched with an appropriate program and date (Nov. 28, 29 and/or 30, 2025).
• The Spirit makes every effort to provide an appropriate program and strong collaboration.

What if there is insufficient funding?
There may be times when a venue is matched with a program, but not enough funding is available to make the event happen - even with help from The Spirit. In that case, there are three options:

- Produce a smaller version with available resources.
- Create an alternative program, in consultation with The Spirit.
- Cancel participation (in 2024, this occurred in 2 of 91 events).

Schedule & deadlines

• As a participating site, you are aware of the schedule and adhere to established deadlines.
• The Spirit reserves the right to terminate cooperation for repeatedly missed deadlines.

Availability & construction

• The venue is available on the selected festival days(Nov. 28, 29 and/or 30, 2025) and allows for set-up and tear-down time.
• Technical and logistical facilities are coordinated with the organization.

Documentation & permits

• All programs are included in the overarching festival permit that The Spirit applies for and arranges.
• Sites must provide documentation for this such as floor plans, site drawings and use notices.

Funding & feasibility

• If insufficient funds are available, there are three options:
  1️⃣ Realize a smaller version with the available funds.
  2️⃣ Create an alternative program in consultation with The Spirit.
  3️⃣ Cancel participation (only in extreme cases).

Here you will find all the important timeline and deadlines for The Spirit of Amsterdam 2025. Keep a close eye on the deadlines and make sure you take the necessary steps in time.

Handy: You can put the most important dates in your calendar right away. Download a file for Outlook, Gmail or Apple here.

Open Call & Selection

March 1 - Open Call deadline for creators
March 14 - Open Call selection announced

Application & Matching Locations

March 15 - Application deadline for venues
March 25 - Initial program proposals for venues
April 8 - Deadline for venues to respond to program proposals
April 30 - Matching programs & venues completed

Programming & Licensing

May 1 - July 1 - Shape and/or modify programming
July 1 - Program 2025 complete (internally)
July 1 - Deadline documentation for permit (use notice, site plan, noise plan, safety plan)

Grants & Promotion

July 1 - September 1 - Preparation of grant applications along with The Spirit
August 31 - Deadline for grant applications
September 1 - Major portion of program and ticket sales online
From September 1 - Promotion, production and finalization

Festival Days

Nov. 28 - 30 - The Spirit of Amsterdam 2025

If you have read everything you can sign up using the form below. Click here to open the form in a new tab.