Mara van Nes
(Artistic Director)
Is a theater maker, program developer, and moderator who often creates interventions within a socio-artistic context. In her practice she often works with a combination of art professionals and amateurs, or cross-disciplinary with specialists from the social domain. Her performances are often participatory and combine philosophical forms of dialogue with visual experiences. Rituals play an important role in this because, for her, shaping a gathering has a direct influence on its substantive qualities. This means that attention is needed not only for What is being said, but also for How we are relating to each other.
You can find more about her work at Mara van Nes | projecten
Philippos Moschatos
(Business Director)
Is a jack-of-all-trades. Born and raised in Athens, he flew away in his early twenties to explore theaters all over the globe- from Czech Republic to Japan- researching different infrastructures and production methods. He holds an MA in Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship from Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam. And is always up to speed on what going on in the world, through his activism. He currently works for Het Nationale Theater and as a freelance fundraiser.
Associate artists
Basak Layic
Born and raised in Istanbul, Başak wears multiple hats as a writer, performer, artistic director, and community builder. Her endeavors continually captivate and unite audiences, highlighting the transformative influence of storytelling in bridging cultural gaps and fostering a profound understanding of humanity.
You can find more on her work here
Julia-Beth Harris
Crafts and performs creative texts. With studies in Graphic and Fashion Design, her words possess a visual, multi-dimensional quality. Drawing from her South African background and lived experience in Northern Europe, Julia-Beth's work serves as a bridge between cultures, bringing together international communities with grace, intellect, and captivating stage presence.
You can find more on her work here
Martijn van Ditshuizen
Is a Jazz-trained saxophonist, but open to all styles. A multi-instrumentalist who thrives on immersing himself in a cross-over of as many disciplines as possible. He is highly versatile and knows how to adapt his musical talents to any environment. Armed with his laptop and up to 10 different instruments, he creates a musical atmosphere ranging from groovy rhythms to soundscapes.
Nicky Vroegop
Is a visual artist, theater maker, and all-around creative whose work dives into the complexities of the human psyche. With a punk-inspired edge, her art challenges norms and embraces the raw, unfiltered truths of the emotional world. Drawing from her personal experience with neurodiversity and a background in healthcare, Nicky’s work embodies a unique blend of rebellion and introspection, offering a fresh perspective on connection, vulnerability, and identity.
Community Partner organisations
Rederij Lampedusa is a social enterprise that connects Amsterdam’s migration history to the contemporary refugee crisis, highlighting the journeys of those striving to reach Europe today. The company is run by a team of around ten people, each of whom has fled their homeland in search of a new future in the Netherlands.
With two authentic migrant boats that once made the perilous journey from Lampedusa to Europe, Rederij Lampedusa now offers canal tours through Amsterdam. Their personal histories serve as powerful examples, while their narratives also raise pressing questions: Who is welcome in Europe today? And who is left behind?
7 Billion Presidents is redefining the way business is done, shifting financial flows with every new product to create a more just and sustainable world. By building and partnering with companies that reinvest all generated revenue into society, they are actively constructing an inclusive, regenerative economy. Their approach funds renewable energy, ecological restoration, and social projects—ensuring that business becomes a force for positive change.
More than an organization, 7 Billion Presidents is a movement of dreamers, builders, and changemakers. Instead of competing, they collaborate. Instead of creating wealth for shareholders, they invest in a better future for all. Their vision? A world where economic success is measured not by profit, but by shared prosperity and planetary well-being.
The Spirit of amsterdam is a city festival for the young at heart, set in places of worship. We transform some of Amsterdam’s most beautiful, and sometimes hidden, locations into theaters, dance floors, quiet spaces, cinemas, or dining venues. Artists, creatives, faith communities, and social organizations come together to surprise you with a unique mix of music, art, culture, silence, and rituals.
Each program is designed with a social purpose. The Spirit has no religious objectives—just a mission to connect, inspire, and create meaningful experiences.
Supervisory Board
Brigit Bedaux-Hillienius
President
Joachim Fleury
Secretary
Esther Inez Louise
Treasurer