Meervaart Studio
Highlights from Meervaart Studio: July–Sept 2026
Although the summer months are often a little quieter, things were anything but quiet at Meervaart Studio this summer.
From photography exhibitions and comedy in the summer to film, dance, music and workshops in September, our third quarter once again showed how much can happen when young people and creatives are given the space to experiment, learn and express themselves. DIY Vrij Werken was also very popular. Our participants regularly came to the Studio over the summer to rehearse, collaborate and prepare for new projects and performances. So even during the summer months, the Studio remained a place buzzing with creativity and practice.
And we’re nowhere near finished. With new workshops, labs, collaborations and events, there’s already plenty in store for the coming months. Here’s to a new season full of creatives, connections and creativity!
Let’s take a moment to look back at a third quarter filled with special collaborations, new initiatives and familiar faces returning to the stage. Here are our highlights from July to September.
6 & 7 Aug WorldPride 'Unity'
On 6 and 7 August, we organised the photography exhibition Unity through Meervaart Studio Foto Lab as part of WorldPride Amsterdam 2026. Alumni of Foto Lab were given the opportunity to contribute their own work in response to the theme of Pride.
Through their photography, Tal Ben Yakir, Lucette Vink, Dewi Veldhuizen and Kyara Bhiekharie shared personal stories and perspectives on identity, visibility, inclusion, a sense of belonging and self-expression. Their varied perspectives made the exhibition personal and multifaceted.
The exhibition was presented alongside a performance at Meervaart and remained on view during performances until 13 September. This gave the artists more time to share their work and stories with visitors.
Photo by Kyara Bhiekharie
20–22 Aug – Meervaart Studio Comedy Café – Kor Fest
After a break of around six years, the Meervaart Studio Comedy Café made a comeback during Kor Fest. On 20, 21 and 22 August, our Studio was dedicated to comedy, experimentation and talent development for three evenings.
Hosted by Jacob Adriani, established comedians as well as emerging and local talent were given the space to try out new material in front of a live audience. With Moos Iwema, Sima, Frank Westerink, Cas Schoots, Romée van Noorden, Jerry Grando and Varga Enikő among those taking to the stage, it became an accessible place to experiment, gain stage experience and meet one another.
Photo of Moos by Beyond Borders Productions
24 Aug to date - IDFA Young Adults Selection Committee '26
The IDFA Young Adults Selection Committee 2026 also got underway in August. 12 young film enthusiasts, filmmakers, students and culture buffs set out to explore the range of documentaries on offer.
On 23 September, the final editorial meeting took place. The films were watched, discussed and debated at length: which stories move us, which films stay with us, and what makes a documentary interesting to young viewers?
Drawing on a range of backgrounds and perspectives, the committee put together a diverse selection of eight films. The selection will become part of IDFA’s Young Adults Label 2026. The programme concludes with a festive closing evening on 18 November at Cinema De Vlugt.
27/28 Aug – A working visit to London
At the end of August, we kicked off our new season with an inspiring working visit to London. In just 30 hours, we visited three cultural institutions that each make space for children, young people and emerging artists in their own way: V&A Young, National Theatre and Roundhouse.
The visit gave us fresh ideas and the chance to take a fresh look at our own organisation. What are we already doing well? Where are the opportunities? And how can we connect young people and emerging artists even more closely with Meervaart? We took that inspiration into the new season of Meervaart T&E: Jong, Kunstbende NH & Studio.
1 Sep - Cultural Introduction Week '26
On 1 September, we took part in Cultural Introduction Week. Two classes from MBO Airport College came to Meervaart for an energetic DJ workshop with Shug La Sheedah and Lee Millz.
During Introduction Week, more than 60 cultural institutions in Amsterdam opened their doors to vocational students. For us, it was a great opportunity not only to introduce young people to culture, but above all to let them create and experience it themselves.
8 September - Road to Melkweg
On 8 September, the second edition of Road to Melkweg kicked off, our collaboration with the Melkweg. Promising Amsterdam artists aged 18 to 26 will spend the coming months developing their stage skills, artistic identity and confidence. Through coaching, rehearsals and guidance, they will also build their networks within the music industry. The programme will culminate on Saturday 12 December with a live showcase at the Melkweg.
12–20 Sep – AAO’s Got Talent!
On Saturday 12 September, we organised the audition for AAO’s Got Talent! together with the Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest (AAO) at Maqam. The audition was held to mark the orchestra’s 15th anniversary and was aimed at Amsterdam singers with an affinity for North African, Arab and Andalusian music.
The audition brought together a wonderful group of talented and enthusiastic participants. Both young and adult performers were given the opportunity to showcase their voices and talent.
Saïda Manar Alami Chentoufi was selected and given the special opportunity to perform on 20 September at the AAO’s large anniversary concert in the Red Hall at Meervaart. Her performance was fantastic and made a wonderful contribution to the celebration of 15 years of the Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest.
Photo of Saïda by Shot by Meesterwerk
23 Sep – Workshops start
Our new workshops also got underway at the end of September. From singing, DJing and acting to photography and video editing. What makes them extra special is that all our coaches have taught here before. We’re delighted that they’ve joined Meervaart Studio again and are sharing their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with a new group of participants.
Singing workshop selfie by Sasha Folkertsma (participant)
24 Sep - Dance Lab
On 24 September, auditions for Dance Lab took place at Meervaart Studio, led by dancer, choreographer and teacher Gino Jagessar in collaboration with ISH Academy.
The programme focuses on young dance talent from Amsterdam and gives participants the opportunity to further develop their dance skills, creativity and performance. At the audition, 40 dancers had the chance to showcase their own style, dance skills and creativity. Following the audition, 15 dancers were selected to continue training as part of Dance Lab and work together towards a collage performance at Meervaart.
Kunstbende Noord-Holland
A lot happened at Kunstbende Noord-Holland this summer too. The community of young talent continued to grow, and this summer our Expo winner even had his art on display at Lowlands! A total of 20 ambassadors have also joined for the new season. They contribute ideas, get involved and help shape the community further.
Registration for our preliminary round in April is now open too.
What are we looking forward to?
There’s plenty more in store over the coming months! On 9 October, we’re hosting the Meervaart Studio Music Café, where seven promising artists will share their latest music during a live evening.
On 7 November, dance and photography come together during Museumnacht at Foam, where alumni from our Dance Lab will give pop-up performances. On 18 November, together with IDFA and our Young Adult Selection Committee, we’re presenting a special film night at Cinema De Vlugt.
December is all about music. During the Meervaart Studio Writerscamp, young artists and producers will work on new material alongside professionals. We’ll round off the year with Road to Melkweg on 12 December, where a new generation of artists will take to the stage at Melkweg.
In short: an autumn full of new talent, music, dance, film and wonderful encounters. We can’t wait!