Visual Art in Nightlife: Explore, Meet and Connect at Melkweg
Conference
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
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.
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 | Join the conversation!
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.
This evening is organised by the Fontys Minor: Dance Industry (official educational partner of ADE & Melkweg)
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.
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.
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.
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