Meervaart Studio
Highlights from Meervaart Studio: April–June 2026
Space for Makers
During the second quarter of 2026, Meervaart Studio certainly kept itself busy. With a mix of workshops, labs, masterclasses, showcases and events, young creators from Amsterdam once again had the space to develop their talent, experiment and showcase their work to an audience.
In May we organized various creative workshops, ranging from camera acting and DJing to songwriting, hosting and photography. There were also wonderful presentation moments, such as the DJ Lab Final Show at The Tequila Club and the showcase of the Dance Lab 'Fragments' during the Meervaart Jong Festival.
In June, the program included a podcast listening session, a DJ Masterclass, the final presentation of the Film Lab and performances during the 24 uur Nieuw-West x Blauwe Zone Festival. The quarter was filled with energy, connection and new work from young talent.
We look back on an inspiring period in which development and stage experience took center stage – and after the summer we will continue building on this with great energy.
Workshop program April through June
Our workshops have been packed with energy and enthusiastic participants over this period. From on-camera acting and DJing to songwriting, hosting and photography: young creators have been actively developing new skills and ideas with us. We saw lots of talent come together, rapid learning, plenty of practice and above all, a whole lot of fun. Every session was filled with creativity, new connections and fresh inspiration.
Want to join us next time? In September we're starting a new workshop season. Sign up here already and participate!
Photo Exhibition Public Intimacy part 2
From April 22 to May 26, the photo exhibition 'Public Intimacy' was on display at Meervaart. The exhibition showcased work by young photographers from the Meervaart Studio Foto Lab, which was developed in collaboration with Foam and photographer Hanane El Ouardani. The exhibition had previously also been on view at No Man's Art Gallery.
With personal photographs on themes such as intimacy, identity, memories, and the relationship with one's own body, the artists offered a remarkable glimpse into their world. A beautiful exhibition that demonstrated how much creative talent is present in Amsterdam Nieuw-West.
Did you visit the exhibition? Which work has stayed with you the most?
DJ Lab
In our DJ Lab, young DJs worked under the guidance of experienced coaches, including DJ Rockefellababe, on their technique, performance, and artist identity. We saw how participants not only developed their sound but also formed a strong community in which they inspired each other and helped one another progress.
Beyond the studio, we also ventured out, including to GLXY Radio, where we had conversations about life as a DJ and what it means to express yourself in the scene. The program culminated in various showcase moments, including a final show and live streaming sets at The Tequila Club.
We're already looking forward to the next edition of DJ Lab! Want to know more? Read our M-Talk here.
May 13 | Streaming session #3 - The Tequila Club
On May 13, we organized the last Stream Session before the summer break at The Tequila Club. It was an evening full of energy, new encounters and powerful DJ sets, both live and via the stream.
Stream Sessions is about more than just music: it's a place where talent comes together, shares experiences and grows. A great way to wrap up the season – after the summer we'll be back!
Does it sound fun to you to organize a Live Stream Session yourself? Get in touch with us or check out the possibilities via Meervaart Studio!
May 15 & 16 | Writerscamp
In May, we brought together 25 young artists, producers, songwriters, rappers and beatmakers for an intensive 24-hour Writerscamp. Over two days, they wrote, produced and recorded, resulting in more than 30 new tracks.
Working alongside music industry professionals such as Joshua J, Leeroy Molly, and Pink Oculas, participants not only created music but also built new collaborations and connections. A weekend where creativity and community took center stage.
Interested in joining us next time? Keep an eye on our socials for the next edition!
Photo by Isa Maria Lammers
May 31 | Showcase Dance Lab 'Fragments' Meervaart Young Festival
During the Meervaart Young Festival, dancers from the Meervaart Studio Dance Lab presented a snippet of 'Fragments'. The showcase demonstrated how young dancers develop within the Dance Lab and work towards performances on a professional stage. An inspiring step for anyone who dreams of a future in dance.
Does it sound fun to you? After the summer, a new Dance Lab will start in collaboration with the ISH Academy. Keep an eye on our website and social media for more information!
Photo by Beyond Borders Productions
June 1 | OmaMa Live
On June 1, Meervaart was the venue for a special live listening session of the OmaMa podcast, which was nominated for the MIMA. Audiomaker Dija Kabba and composer Nana Adjoa took the audience on a personal journey about family, loss, racism, and reconciliation.
After the session, the makers engaged in conversation with the audience about the story and the creative process. This led to meaningful conversations, recognition, and an evening full of connection.
This event fit beautifully with the collaboration between Meervaart Studio and Oorzaken. Last year we worked together on the Oorzaken Podcast Academy Nieuw-West, in which twelve young makers learned how to transform their own stories into podcasts. The result: Pleinen vol verhalen, a series that centers on the people and encounters in the squares of Nieuw-West.
Curious about OmaMa? Listen to the podcast here and discover the story for yourself.
Photo by Fabian Landewee @LNDWstudio
June 6 | DJ Masterclass
On June 6, we organized a DJ Masterclass for DJs aged 15 to 26. During this inspiring day, participants immersed themselves in a mix of panel discussions, practical workshops, and personal feedback.
Together with experienced DJs such as Rockefelababe, Waxfiend, and DJ Raziyah, the participants worked on their technique, sound, and artistic development. There was plenty of room to ask questions, practice, and receive practical tips directly. The day concluded with presentations and an opportunity to meet each other and network.
Want to become a DJ too? Sign up here for the workshop series starting in September!
Photo by Randy Da Costa
June 12 | Film Lab Short Movie Night
On June 12, we concluded our Film Lab with the Short Movie Night in the Blue Hall at Meervaart. Our filmmakers presented their own short films to the audience and showed what they had developed throughout the program.
From script to editing: we saw how their stories came to life on the big screen. With this Lab in collaboration with the Dutch Film Academy, we celebrated their growth and talent.
Are you the filmmaker of the future? Keep an eye on our website and social media for the next edition of the Film Lab!
June 20 | Showcase 24 hours Nieuw-West X Blauwe Zone Festival
During 24 hours Nieuw-West x Blauwe Zone Festival, we brought the square in front of Meervaart Studio to life on June 20 with beautiful performances. Visitors enjoyed an afternoon full of music and spoken word, featuring performances by De$tiney, MC Juni, Miriam, Faye, Demi Joy and Amma The Moon.
It was an inspiring afternoon where young creatives could showcase their work, meet new audiences and celebrate the creativity of Amsterdam Nieuw-West together.
After the summer we will resume with new music projects and talent trajectories. Keep an eye on our website and socials and join in!
27 juni | Kunstbende Finale 2026
Wat een dag! Op zaterdag 27 juni stonden we samen met onze Noord-Hollandse winnaars op de landelijke Kunstbende Finale tijdens het Young Creators Festival. Onze makers schitterden op verschillende podia, moedigden elkaar aan en lieten zien hoeveel talent er uit Noord-Holland komt. Als kers op de taart namen we maar liefst twee eerste prijzen mee naar huis: in de categorieën DJ en Theater.
Minstens zo bijzonder was de sfeer achter de schermen. Tussen de optredens door zochten deelnemers elkaar op, werden nieuwe vriendschappen gesloten en stonden oud-deelnemers en ambassadeurs klaar om de nieuwe lichting te supporten. Dat is precies waar Kunstbende om draait: je ontwikkelt je talent, ontmoet andere jonge makers en wordt onderdeel van een creatieve community.
Ben jij tussen de 12 en 19 jaar en wil jij jouw talent laten zien? Houd onze website en socials in de gaten voor de nieuwe editie van Kunstbende Noord-Holland!