Get ready for a breathtaking display of art and advocacy as the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress takes center stage at Spazju Kreattiv on the 13th and between the 15th to 17th September. This monumental work of art, in the form of a dress, serves as a powerful symbol of inclusion and equal rights that will leave you in awe.

Imagine a dress with a diameter of over 16 meters (52 feet), adorned with the flags of 68* countries where being LGBTIQ+ is still punishable by law. It includes eight countries where homosexual acts can even lead to the death penalty. The bodice of the dress proudly showcases the Amsterdam city flag, representing a city that has long been a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress started as a powerful statement during the opening Pride Walk parade of EuroPride 2016. The flags of countries where same-sex acts were deemed illegal were carried, sparking conversations and raising awareness. Inspired by this impactful act, the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress Foundation was formed by the visionary minds of Mattijs van Bergen, Arnout van Krimpen, Jochem Kaan, and Oeri van Woezik, in collaboration with dedicated volunteers from COC Amsterdam.

What does the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress represent? It symbolizes the importance of Amsterdam as a haven for LGBTIQ+ refugees and migrants who have faced persecution in their home countries based on their identity or whom they love. Amsterdam has a rich history of embracing and protecting the LGBTIQ+ community, and it is crucial to nurture and preserve this status for future generations. As the dress travels around the world, it aims to spread this message of inclusivity and tolerance to other cities and communities, advocating for a global society that celebrates diversity on multiple levels.