The large windows of Leontien Wiering’s office look out over the Spuiplein. Wiering, who trained as a dancer at a high level, decided to take a different path when she realised reaching the very top wasn’t possible. She chose instead what came naturally to her: organising within the cultural sector.

Today, she leads Amare, an international stage for music and dance with a diverse programme. The building houses permanent residents such as the Residentie Orkest, Nederlands Dans Theater and the Royal Conservatoire, but Amare also aims to be a ‘third space’ – a social place where visitors, passers-by and artists can meet, feel welcome and free to explore.

Director Leontien Wiering: 'I hope we can give Spuiplein the old-fashioned function of village square'

Amare is literally a landmark. What is it like to lead in such a striking building in the city centre?

“Before, we were at the Zuiderstrandtheater, where the postman could almost shout to you as he came in. At Amare, it’s completely different. Being part of it from the very start was extraordinary. We had to build everything ourselves: not just bringing staff, residents and visitors in, but also the interior, furniture, curtains, even the paint on the walls. Every detail was our responsibility.”

“Our aim has always been to make Amare a cultural home for everyone. At first, it was a bit daunting. The building is beautiful and imposing, and naturally critics were ready with their remarks: ‘yet another expensive elite project.’ It can feel intimidating, unfamiliar ground that people might not enter spontaneously. That’s why we want it to feel open and welcoming. Everyone is invited.”

Amare runs a programme called ‘Open Amare’, with free activities on the ground floor. How is that going?

“We’ve succeeded in creating daily activity, which I’m very happy about. People are finding their way here. We aim for a balance between events our team considers important for the community and initiatives suggested by the public. Amare hosts celebrations for Ketikoti, marking the abolition of slavery, the Indian festival of lights Divali, Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, and 150 years of Hindustani migration.”

“Our team also seeks connections with different groups across the city. We invite people to propose events and ask what’s needed. In principle, all ideas are welcome on the ground floor, as long as they engage a community and are not for profit. We currently receive around thirty to forty requests each week. Each idea is followed by a conversation to find the best timing. And yes, sometimes we check someone isn’t just using it to celebrate a private birthday under the guise of an exotic dance event.”

What should people know about Amare that’s still relatively unknown?

“Come to the performances by our conservatoire students. They are world-class, and many concerts are free. On the ground floor, we increasingly showcase interactive art and exhibitions. There’s a city canteen on the third floor and a brasserie facing the Spuiplein, open all day.”

Since September, the Spuiplein has taken on a new look. What are the ambitions for it?

“I hope we can restore the Spuiplein to its old role as a village square. Like in New York, where people gather for music, friends and families meet, meals are shared, strangers cross paths, and activists express themselves.”

“What’s unique here is that nine major cultural organisations are based on the square, including the Filmhuis, Het Nationale Theater, the Central Library, Amare with its residents, and the Nieuwe Kerk. The Filmhuis plans summer open-air screenings, and Amare will curate programmes in the Nieuwe Kerk – known as the ‘fifth hall’ – offering beautiful chamber concerts.”

Rumours suggest Amare is addressing The Hague’s loss of North Sea Jazz.

“That’s true. I have good news: in March 2026, Amare will host ‘New Tide’, a new jazz festival. We’re very proud and a little nervous. Amare has established itself in the city, but a new festival starts from scratch. Our vision is to offer a mix of local, national and international talent alongside established artists.”

Candy Dulfer is one of the artists performing at the New Tide Festival in Amare on 6 and 7 March. © Hilde Harshagen

Amare also aims to present unique and innovative performances. Can you give an example?

“Certainly! In December we present a concert by Ibrahim Maalouf and in March ‘Romeo & Julia’ by Opera Ballet Vlaanderen. In June, the company À nos combats will stage a stunning performance between a dancer and a boxer, reimagining the legendary 1974 fight ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The performance takes place on the Spuiplein, or in the Danstheater if it rains. Around sixty amateurs join as part of the audience, making the tension of the fight palpable.”

Do people still say Amare is elitist?

“There will always be such comments about art. But things are changing. Initially, enthusiasm had to come mainly from our team. Today, a wide range of people tell me they love Amare. More and more residents of The Hague, who can be quite critical, say the city now has something to be proud of.”

www.amare.nl