ADE Expo: Soundsystem Culture | Curated by Ikael Melchizedek
Conference
ADE Expo: Soundsystem Culture | Curated by Ikael Melchizedek
ADE Pro x ADE Arts & Culture presents: Soundsystem Culture Expo, curated by Ikael Melchizedek
On ADE Saturday, this exhibition gathers a group of artists working in painting, sculpture, print and jewellery, each presenting work that speaks to values rooted in resilience, truth, community and awareness. These values touch directly on the spirit of sound system culture and the beliefs that have carried it forward for generations: truth as a foundation, resilience in the face of struggle, unity across difference, and creativity as a form of healing and connection.
The artist's practices are diverse in form and yet connected: The paintings invite a closer look at questions of identity and belonging, drawing lines between personal expression and collective experience. The sculptures capture memory in material, giving shape what otherwise might remain intangible. The prints communicate with clarity and urgency, demanding us to pause and reflect. The jewellery on display is not only decorative but symbolic, designed to be worn and lived with as an extension of what is felt in the body.
Taken together, these works all create an environment that asks for reflection and awareness on sound system values. They encourage us to consider how art can make visible values that often exist quietly in the background of our lives. It suggests that truth and justice require attentiveness, that unity grows through shared experience, and healing begins with recognition. The story of this exhibition is one of reminder, call, and possibility for change.
Artist Lineup:
Ikael Melchizedek - Multi disciplinary artist and curator Ikael Melchizedek will bring together works of clothes, jewelry and paintings to give his perspective of Rastifarian Culture.
Kebra Ethiopia Sound - The renown Sound System collective from Johannesburg, will provide a photo series of their community and the coming together of people through sound systems and dances
Kirstof West - Kristof West, better known as TOFF YOUTH, is a Trinbagonian multidisciplinary artist based in Amsterdam. His work moves through memory, drawing from his Caribbean roots and community. From documentaries on the Steel Pan to Carnival-inspired visuals, TOFF YOUTH creates with intention- grounded, grateful, and always himself.
Rossel Chaslie - Rossel Chaslie is a draughtsman and animator who migrated from Suriname to the Netherlands. His drawings are contemporary while also engaging with art-historical references.
Conference FAQ
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions, such as ADE Lab and ADE Green can be found on the ticket page closer to the date of ADE 2026.
✓ Valid all five days
ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.
✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations
ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database
Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.
✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
With over 9.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.
✓ Access to all official Business Hubs
Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.
✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*
With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
✓ Receive the official ADE 2025 Bag
Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2025 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
Info & Ticket Desks for picking up your personal ADE Pro Pass badge & wristband
Felix Meritis (outside)
Address: Keizersgracht 324, 1016EZ Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 14:00 to 20:00
Wednesday October 22: 08:30 to 20:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 20:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 20:00
Saturday October 25: 10:00 to 20:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ The best location for collecting your accreditation when you want to visit the ADE Pro Conference.
Stromma - Pier 6 | Central Station
Address: Damrak 16, 1012 LH Amsterdam
Tuesday October 21: 10:00 to 22:00
Wednesday October 22: 09:00 to 22:00
Thursday October 23: 09:00 to 22:00
Friday October 24: 09:00 to 22:00
Saturday October 25: 09:00 to 22:00
Sunday October 26: CLOSED
~ This Info & Ticket desk is the most convenient location for people who'd like to pick up their accreditation right after arriving in Amsterdam at the central train station.
NOTE
Please be aware that your e-ticket is strictly personal and non-transferable. It is mandatory to show your ID/passport during pick-up. Your items cannot be picked up by someone else.
Also, don’t forget to complete your profile details before ADE, to make sure we have the right information to prepare your personal badge.
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