AFK Grant for Events in Amsterdam: 6 Tips for Nightlife Creators

Amsterdam has a rich history when it comes to nightlife culture. The city is home to many innovative clubs and has been a pioneer in progressive nightlife policy. A Night Mayor was appointed to bridge the gap between nightlife creators and urban policymakers. However, this never translated into cultural subsidies for nightlife culture until now.

At the end of April 2024, the Municipality of Amsterdam, together with the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, introduced a grant scheme for nightlife culture. This provides valuable support for creators in the nightlife scene who prioritize programming over commercial interests, and it offers an important opportunity for young nightlife creators, DJs, programmers, and organizers to claim their own place within the capital’s night scene.

• The workspace rental allowance offers young freelancers between the ages of 18 and 27 the opportunity to apply for a grant of 2,500 euros for the rent of a studio, rehearsal space, editing suite, or other workspace in Amsterdam. This is intended for those who have been active in the professional nightlife creative scene for at least one year.
• The project grants for artistic work at night support creators and organizers who contribute to nightlife culture by presenting or programming artistic work that reaches and engages young audiences during the night. These grants range from 5,000 euros to 20,000 euros.
  

But how do you increase your chances of securing a grant for your event? WeTicket has outlined a short strategy:

1. Research: Study the specific guidelines and criteria of the Nightlife Grant Scheme to understand which types of projects and initiatives are supported. Focus on the fund’s objectives, which aim to increase participation among young people aged 18 to 27 in nightlife culture.
2. Project planning: Develop a detailed project plan that clearly outlines the intended activities, target audience, artistic vision, and budget. Make sure your plan aligns with the scheme’s objectives, such as creating new work, organizing events, and engaging young audiences during the night.
3. Partnerships: Consider collaborating with other creators, organizations, or venues within the nightlife scene to strengthen your application. Demonstrate how your project contributes to the growth and diversity of Amsterdam’s nightlife culture and encourages youth participation.
4. Relevance: Highlight how your event or project attracts and engages young people aged 18 to 27 within Amsterdam’s nightlife culture. Show how it contributes to artistic development, participation, and inclusivity within this community.
5. Communication: Clearly and convincingly communicate your project idea and explain why it deserves funding within the context of the Nightlife Grant Scheme. Be concise, but show passion and enthusiasm for your project.
6. Deadline and procedure: Ensure that your application is submitted on time and within the stated deadline. Follow the specific instructions for the application process, including creating an account on MijnAFK and submitting all required documents.
   

The AFK also provides guidance, including walk in consultation hours and speed date sessions throughout the city. Keep an eye on the AFK website for updates.

You can read more about the scheme on the AFK website or consult the Amsterdam Nightlife Policy Agenda.

By applying this strategy, you increase your chances of securing funding through the AFK Nightlife Grant Scheme and can further develop your contribution to Amsterdam’s nightlife culture. Good luck!