Participate as a participant
In 2026 we will jointly organise the Maastricht Year
A year full of new meetings, old stories and special events throughout the city. Everyone can participate, whether you were born here or just moved to Maastricht. Because together is stronger. And together we make the city even more beautiful. By looking back at Maastricht's rich history together, we build new friendships and a connected city.
Reason
Living together is more than just living next to each other - it means building a close community together. In a time when social contrasts are increasing and connection is more important than ever, the Maastricht city council attaches great importance to strengthening the bond between residents. This is why the Maastricht municipality is organising 'the Maastricht Year' in 2026. In this year, special attention will be paid to the connecting power of the city's history.
So the Maastricht Year is a celebration about the past, but above all an opportunity to get to know each other better now.
How can you - participate?
Programming is provided throughout the year. Events are organised that tell a piece of Maastricht history by bringing historical persons, moments or events back to life in a creative, innovative way, in which the old story and cooperation are central. Anyone, on behalf of an organisation or as an individual, can apply for a subsidy for this programming until 23 August 2026.
City programming
Various parties (associations, clubs and individuals) from the city, can dive into history together. The idea is that, in special collaborations, they breathe new life into people and activities from history. Actively working on something together creates a strong connection because shared effort, mutual support and the achievement of common goals strengthen trust, understanding and a sense of belonging.
The aim is to create a sense of connection between the organisers themselves and especially between people who have lived in Maastricht all their lives and those who have only just come to live here, especially those of a different nationality.
Do you have a good idea as a club, organisation or association? Is there a person, moment or event from history that you would like to revive in an accessible way? Then organise a surprising project together with others! Any organisation can apply with an idea, as long as the old story and connection are central.
Share your plans first via info@maastrichtjaar2026.nl so that they can be checked for compliance. A grant application can then be submitted via: https://subsidies.gemeentemaastricht.nl/kunst-en-cultuur/subsidieregeling-stadsprogrammering-maastrichtjaar-2026
Six grants of up to €5,000 are still available for the plans.
District programming
Another component of the Maastricht Year is supporting (small-scale) activities in the neighbourhoods that tie in with the project's theme. In these activities, the history of the city - and especially that of neighbourhood or district - is used to connect people from neighbourhoods and districts. Various initiatives, new or existing, can become part of the Maastricht Year if history, cooperation and connection become visible here.
Both new and existing activities are eligible. From neighbourhood walks to neighbourhood festivals, cooking together, sharing stories and traditions, making theatre or singing together or other meeting projects: all initiatives that connect people and that have a link to history are welcome.
Do you have an idea that brings the history of your street, neighbourhood or district to life? Would you like to bring people - newcomers and old acquaintances alike - together in a special way? Then contribute to a connecting Maastricht year and register your idea at info@maastrichtjaar2026.nl. If the plan meets the conditions, you can then apply for a subsidy via: https://subsidies.gemeentemaastricht.nl/kunst-en-cultuur/subsidieregeling-wijkprogrammering-maastrichtjaar-2026.
You can also apply for this grant as an individual!
There are 21 grants of €1,500 available for various initiatives (3 per each of the 7 city districts).
Contact details:
Submit project for assessment
info@maastrichtjaar2026.nl
Communication
Marnix van Wijk
marnix.vanwijk@maastricht-marketing.nl
06 27 83 20 16
General questions
Petra de Waal Malefijt
petra@peetprojecten.nl
06 16 44 58 28
Grants and permits
Sanne de Groen
sanne.de.groen@maastricht.nl
06 81 57 51 50