FAQs

Where and when will The Spirit of Amsterdam take place?

This cultural festival in places of worship will take place November 22nd, 23rd and 24th, 2024 in Amsterdam. It provides a stage (day and night) for cultural creators , programmers, devotional communities and social organizations. Together we will  bring a combination of meaning, art, culture, rituals and silence. 

Why The Spirit of Amsterdam?

Unfortunately, many people live in their own little bubble, causing us to grow   ever further apart. And yet we share an ancient past,  where we used to come together in  places of worship to honor, learn, celebrate, talk, sacrifice and mourn. Now is the time to come together again and  restore a sense of solidarity and   alleviation   in our city. We are resolutely choosing a path of charity, compassion and vulnerability in order to strengthen our community.

What is the role of  places of worship during The Spirit of Amsterdam?

First and foremost, these unique locations provide  shelter for the festival. Most   places of worship participate as partners with a substantive and/or practical contribution to our  program.   Such as the Dominicus Church who contribute  frequently . Some   places of worship play more of a background role and  contribute by making  their locations available to the festival.    . We have different forms of cooperation to allow each  place of worship to participate in   a way that is fitting.

What is the role of cultural creators during The Spirit of Amsterdam?

Art, culture, ritual and silence are our building blocks for radical change. With these, we will bridge the  differences and create connections. With the launch of an "open call," culture makers, artists, entrepreneurs or social organizations can contribute  their ideas. A program committee evaluates these on various criteria, such as social impact and originality. Together, we will see which  places of worship and culture makers are the best match. 

What is the role of civil society organizations during The Spirit of Amsterdam?

We give priority to people who are less able to attend events. To do this, we work with our social partners. They also contribute  their knowledge and expertise on social themes which will  become part of e our programming.

How is The Spirit of Amsterdam financed?

The festival is paid for by visitors, sponsors, the municipality, government, funds, places of worship, devotional communities and investors. The Spirit of Amsterdam will provide financial and practical support for the organization of each individual event, depending on the know-how and willingness to take risks of each initiative. There may be initiatives that will easily and independently fill a place of worship for several days, while others might require a customized approach in which The Spirit Of Amsterdam platform assists.

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What is the role of the organization of The Spirit of Amsterdam itself?

It advises and supports participating venues and cultural   creators in the areas of marketing and communication, creative interpretation and production. The Spirit Of Amsterdam also encourages and monitors all parties involved in terms of regulation , impact and sustainability.   We make great efforts to ensure   the festival and its network is available to everyone in Amsterdam and beyond. The Spirit Of Amsterdam will also be actively involved in producing  some of the (fringe) programs and  overlapping projects.

Is the The Spirit of Amsterdam a religious initiative?

No. The festival has no religious objectives. But both participants and visitors can be inspired by ritual  and tradition . There are countless beautiful examples throughout our society that were created by religious influences. Just think of weddings, moments of silence in commemoration , doing charitable acts for the vulnerable or lighting a candle for someone you are thinking about.  

Who is behind The Spirit of Amsterdam?


The festival The Spirit of Amsterdam was initiated by Robert-Jan Glas, Stefan Beek, Marissa van Beurden and San Jonker.  Our team has a background in social initiatives , events, culture and media. The Spirit of Amsterdam is set up as a social enterprise in close cooperation with the 10,000 HOURS Foundation.

I would like to become part of The Spirit of Amsterdam, how do I do that?

Join our Open Call (until March 4), come talk to us (just send an email) or subscribe to our newsletter. You can do that here.