Art in Nightlife – Fontys MDI x Melkweg

Nightlife is more than just music—it's an experience shaped by art, light, and immersion.

On October 23rd, students from Fontys Minor Dance Industry proudly present Art in Nightlife at Melkweg Amsterdam, as part of ADE 2025.

This interactive conference explores how art is transforming the way we experience clubs and festivals. Through lectures, live demos, and discussions, we bring together emerging artists and professionals to stimulate new ideas and collaborations. So: SAVE THE DATE!

Program overview

19:30 – 19:45 | Opening Show – Artistic Prelude

We kick off the night with an explosion of light, sound, and visual art. A vibrant prelude that awakens the senses and pulls you straight into the world where club culture meets creativity.

19:45 – 19:50 | Introduction

Meet the minds behind Art in Nightlife. A short intro to what this evening is all about: celebrating the power of art on the dancefloor and the heartbeat of creativity that fuels nightlife.

19:50 – 20:05 | Talks: Meet the Speakers

Get inspired by artists and visionaries who shape the future of nightlife. In short personal talks, they share their creative drive and the stories behind their work.


CONFIRMED

Noah Kurtjens – Art Curator & Club Manager at Shelter Amsterdam

As curator and manager of Shelter Amsterdam, Noah Kurtjens has helped shape the club’s identity as a space where music, art, and technology merge into a single experience. Shelter is known for its underground yet inclusive atmosphere and its commitment to giving visual artists a platform alongside DJs and producers.

Through projects such as Visual Artist of the Month, Shelter showcases emerging talent on its LED installations turning each club night into a living gallery. This recent initiative connects the visual arts and nightlife scenes, offering artists visibility while deepening the sensory experience for visitors.

At ADE, Noah will share insights on how clubs can integrate art to create meaning beyond music, how to collaborate with artists in a financially sustainable way, and how curating visuals and light can transform a venue’s identity. His perspective bridges artistic vision and operational reality, showing how creative experimentation can thrive even within the constraints of the current cultural climate.

Ann Bevers - Artist & DJ

Ann Bevers is an artist and DJ whose work radiates the JOY OF LIFE: color, energy, and human connection. Through her vibrant artworks, visuals, and DJ sets, she spreads uplifting vibes and celebrates authenticity, equality, and inclusion. Her creative world, SPECTRUM.LAB, unites art and music into one colorful experience where everyone feels safe, seen, and free to be themselves.

Emerging from a dark period, Ann transformed her emotions into color and rhythm. Music became her lifeline. Every artwork she creates feels like a visual translation of beats and frequencies. Having exhibited at nightlife and festival events across Europe, she continues to blur the line between art and sound.

Ann’s mission is simple yet powerful: to celebrate life in full color: because it’s okay to be YOU.

Sem van Wieren - Light Artist, Vinyl DJ

Sem explores the intersection of light, sound and spatial experience. As a vinyl DJ, founder of De Functie and co-creator at Möbius Lighting and Lumus Instruments, he transforms environments into immersive, sensory spaces where rhythm meets reflection.

His work bridges underground club culture and visual experimentation, translating frequencies into light and atmosphere.

ar.strae - Visual Artist

The practice of ar.strae is rooted in getting lost in the process. The name, meaning astray, reflects an approach of embracing the unknown and letting outcomes take shape along the way. Working primarily with TouchDesigner, raw, natural, and digital textures are transformed into abstract visual worlds that evolve in real time.

Over the past years, this practice has expanded from studio experiments to live performances, where visuals are shaped and adjusted on the spot. By combining generative design with improvisation, each set becomes a unique translation of the moment. Self-taught since 2022, ar.strae continues to build a body of work that moves between installation, performance, and experimental image-making.

20:05 – 20:25 | Discussion: Challenges & Opportunities

A lively conversation about the realities of working in nightlife. From passion to paycheck. Expect sharp insights, honest stories, and ideas on how we can make the scene more open and fair for everyone.

20:25 – 20:30 | Live Demo – Art & Sound

Feel it. See it. Experience it.Our artists take the stage for an immersive moment where visual art and sound collide. Expect pure energy and connection: the club vibe.

20:30 – 21:00 | Open Discussion & Audience Q&A

The floor is yours. Join the conversation, ask your questions, and share your vision. Together we’ll explore how creativity keeps nightlife alive.

21:00 – 21:30 | Café Program – “Let’s Connect”

Grab a drink, meet the artists, and keep the energy flowing.The perfect ending to an inspiring evening: relaxed, spontaneous, and full of new connections.