News — Sep 30, 2024

The Institute for Nightculture (INC) is coming: a new kind of cultural institution in Amsterdam that focuses entirely on night culture, and the only one of its kind in the world.

The institute launches on October 17 at 1 p.m. with a symposium at the Stedelijk, as part of the ADE Arts & Culture program. The mission of the new institute is to program, develop, and document progressive night culture. The venue stands for artistic freedom at the intersection of nightlife and contemporary art. The symposium was organized in partnership with the Stedelijk, which is known for identifying emerging talent and promoting innovative cultural activities.

The construction of the INC’s future home has already begun. Designed by architecture office XML, it will be housed in a 17th-century courtyard in the heart of Amsterdam. The INC will be the world’s only institution dedicated exclusively to night culture. The upcoming symposium intends to act as a catalyst for collaboratively designing the institute’s program. The lineup includes: Touria Meliani (alderman (night) culture Gemeente Amsterdam), Sharon Amritpersad (The NEW Amsterdam), Jordi Ariza Gallego (SEXYLAND), Sven Bijma (RAUM), Manique Hendricks (Frans Hals Museum), Moktar Nabil (Kanaal40), Dr. Catherine Rossi (professor of architecture, University for the Creative Arts Canterbury) and moderator Charl Landvreugd (Stedelijk Museum).

Changemakers from the worlds of nightlife, art and culture from Amsterdam, Europe and beyond, were asked the same question: What is an Institute for Night Culture? Their answers are collected in a kaleidoscopic book that will be presented during this symposium at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Together, the polyphony of answers forms the core framework for the future Institute for Night Culture. Anyone who finds freedom in nightlife, contemporary art and club culture is invited to join and share their thoughts.

Rein Wolfs, director of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam: "It’s vitally important that night culture gets the recognition it deserves. The night offers space for experimentation and creativity, a place where boundaries dissolve and new ideas are born. For many artists, the night is a source of inspiration. As an institute for day culture, we are proud to partner with the Institute for Nightculture and ADE. Together we’re building a bridge between two worlds that complement and consolidate each other. The symposium gives us a rare opportunity to collaboratively shape a new cultural dimension that will enrich Amsterdam."

As well as participating in the symposium, attendees will be able to visit the new exhibition Unravel and Nora Turoto's installation for free. They will also receive a free ticket for a second visit after ADE.

Organized by the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and the INC Foundation, the symposium is part of ADE Arts & Culture.

The Institute for Nightculture is an initiative of the INC Foundation and is supported by the City of Amsterdam. The project was developed by Michiel Kleiss, who has a long history in nightlife as a DJ and former director of RoXY, Paradiso and Lowlands Festival.

ADE Arts & Culture
Where electronic music and art come together.

ADE Arts & Culture is the place where electronic music and other art forms meet. For this fourth edition, the program focuses on today’s makers who find their strength in the night, build bridges between day and night culture, and expand horizons. The program includes exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, workshops, and inspiring conversations.