23/10

Visual Art in Nightlife: Explore, Meet and Connect at Melkweg

Conference

Date

Thu, Oct 23, 2025
19:30 - 21:30

Location

Melkweg UP | Lijnbaansgracht 234A, Amsterdam

Interests

ADE Lab

Disclaimer

Visual Art in Nightlife: Explore, Meet and Connect at Melkweg

As night falls, ADE Lab moves from the Westerpark to the Melkweg and opens its doors to the world of visual storytelling in nightlife, in collaboration with Fontys Minor Dance Industry. From lighting design to projection mapping, stage visuals and live VJing, this evening is dedicated to the creators who shape how we see the night.

Visual Art in Nightlife is an open space to explore the innovations that are transforming club experiences, learn how to develop your own projects, and understand how visual arts amplify emotion and energy on the dance floor. Whether you are already creating or simply curious about the craft, this is your moment to get inspired, exchange ideas and connect with other visual artists, designers and creative minds who bring nightlife to life.

Program Overview
More TBA

19:30 – 19:45 | Opening Show – Artistic Prelude
This evening opens with an artistic introduction that immediately immerses the audience in the theme of the night. A short demo or live performance combining light, sound, and visual art will set the tone and spark curiosity. This segment also serves as the audience’s entrance and welcome moment.

19:45 - 20:25 | Talk: Challenges & Opportunities for Visual Art in Nightlife
Confirmed Speakers: Noah Kurtjens – Art Curator & Club Manager at Shelter Amsterdam, more TBA.

The nightlife industry is built on creativity, collaboration and community, but building a sustainable career within it is not without its challenges. In this evening talk, we bring together artists, promoters and industry professionals to openly discuss the realities young creatives face when stepping into the scene.

From navigating financial structures and fair pay to improving accessibility and communication between artists and event organizers, this conversation aims to shed light on what needs to change and where opportunities lie for the next generation to thrive.

20:25 – 20:30 | Live Demo – Art & Sound
A live visual arts show demonstration at Visual Art in Nightlife.

20:30 – 21:00 | Join the conversation!
A collective reflection on what we’ve seen and heard. The focus: the financial landscape of art in nightlife, why change is needed, and what possible solutions look like.

Audience questions will be collected beforehand to help guide the discussion, ensuring that your voice and perspective are part of shaping the dialogue. Join the conversation, share experiences and take away practical insights to build a more supportive and sustainable nightlife community.

21:00 – 21:30 | Café Program – “Let’s Connect”
To close the evening, we invite you to slow down, connect and keep the conversation going in a more informal setting. This final part of the night creates space to meet new people, exchange ideas and experience art in a relaxed atmosphere. A moment to unwind, reflect and let inspiration flow beyond the main program!

This evening is organised by the Fontys Minor: Dance Industry (official educational partner of ADE & Melkweg)

ADE Lab 〰

Disclaimer

Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!

Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!

Are you an (aspiring) producer, DJ, musician, visual artist, creator or all-round electronic music enthusiast, and are you keen to learn more about your field and industry? Good news: ADE Lab returns with a program full of activities and experiences focused on the entire spectrum of creative disciplines in electronic music to help you push your music career forward.

Info / tickets

Disclaimer

Kickstart your electronic music career at ADE Lab!

Info / tickets

Conference FAQ

The conference program has already been partially announced! Check out the announced program here.

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.

✓ 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.

The applications for ADE 2025 are closed.

We have various hotel recommendations to ensure you get through ADE well rested. Our recommendations can be found here.

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.

Haven't received your ticket(s) or cannot find them? You can easily find them by following the steps on this page.

NOTE: This leads you to a page of the Weeztix website, where you can find your ADE passes, as well as some ADE festival tickets - only if the tickets of the event are sold via ticket provider Weeztix.