Open Call

Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025

Mensen dragen Mensen 

Have you always wanted to be part of a special community art project? We are looking for 100 people who would like to join the project ‘Mensen dragen Mensen’ (People carry People), a living artwork as part of the ‘Ommegangen’ (Processions) of Heiligdomsvaart 2025 (Pilgrimage of the Relics).

Since medieval times, thousands of pilgrims have gathered every seven years in Maastricht for the Heiligdomsvaart, one of the oldest religious traditions in The Netherlands in which holy relics of Sint Servaas (Saint Servatius) were displayed. In 2025, this cultural tradition will continue with two ‘Ommegangen’: a traditional procession through the city on Sunday 15 June and, for the first time in history, on the river Maas on Sunday evening 22 June.

‘Mensen dragen Mensen’

Together with theatre maker Noah Janssen, FASHIONCLASH has created a contemporary approach to this centuries-old tradition. 'Mensen dragen Mensen' (People carry People) connects the concept of a traditional religious procession with contemporary themes such as community spirit and caring for each other and our environment.

This project is more than a performance; it is a living artwork that serves as an artistic and social experiment. And you can be part of it!

What are you going to do?

You become part of a living artwork in which people literally carry each other through the streets of Maastricht (15 June) or on a boat on the river Maas (22 June). Some participants will carry, others will be carried. You can also participate by walking and carrying a textile object or flag. If this all is not possible for you – whatever the reason may be, we will look for a suitable way in which you also can be carried.

Together with all the participants, you become a powerful, moving image of human connection. You will wear a blue outfit, object or flag made during workshops* in the FASHIONCLASH Pop-up Atelier.

This is a chance to have a unique experience under professional guidance of a theatre maker, together with FASHIONCLASH, and an opportunity to be part of an historic event in a contemporary, meaningful way!

*If you would like to join the workshops in the Pop-up Atelier, you can sign up from Thursday 3 April onwards.

Who are we looking for?

• People of all ages, from various backgrounds and physical conditions;

• No experience with art or theatre is needed!

• You can participate in the ‘Ommegang’ on Sunday 15 June 2025 (afternoon);

• You can participate in both ‘Ommegangen’ on Sunday 15 June 2025 (afternoon) and on Sunday 22 June 2025 (on a boat, in the evening);

• You can attend the kick-off of the project on Thursday 17 April 2025 (18:00 – 21:00) at Harmoniezaal Ster van Maastricht, Bredestraat 19;

• If you cannot attend the kick-off, you can still participate in the 'Ommegangen' by walking and carrying a textile object or flag;

• You are available for 1 or more moments between the kick-off and the ‘Ommegangen’ to practice the performative carrying;

• Ideally you are available for an outfit try-on during Week 23-24 (2-6 June + 10-13 June 2025) at Centre Céramique in Maastricht.

Important details

• Please read the Terms & Conditions and read the Privacy Policy carefully before you register!

• Keep in mind that the days of the ‘Ommegangen’ might be long and we expect you to be present all day. A time schedule for both days will be shared in due time;

• It’s not possible to only join the ‘Ommegang’ on Sunday 22 June 2025;

• You will not receive any travel expenses or other compensation for costs incurred.

Important dates

• Deadline for registrations: Tuesday 15 April 2025, 23:59;

• Kick-off of the project: Thursday 17 April 2025, 18:00 – 21:00;

• Outfit try-ons in Week 23-24 (2-6 June + 10-13 June 2025);

• Ommegang I: Sunday 15 June 2025 (afternoon);

• Ommegang II: Sunday 22 June 2025 (on a boat, in the evening).

Please get in touch via fms@fashionclash.nl if you have any specific questions about ‘Mensen dragen Mensen’ for Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025.

‘Mensen dragen Mensen’ is developed in collaboration with Noah Janssen and is made possible by Creative Industries Fund NL, Gemeente Maastricht, Provincie Limburg, Heiligdomsvaart Maastricht 2025, Centre Céramique, Cultuurfonds Limburg, Van der Jagt Zwolsman Fonds, Par Terra Fonds, Rd4 Reinigingsdiensten and Cultuurmakers Maastricht.

In addition, in collaboration with Limburgs Museum, Toneelacademie Maastricht, Oxygen Academy of Dance and Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts and Design.