The Nacht Academy: Seminar: Session 8 - The State of the Dance Scene

Session 8 is the final session of the Nacht Academy and focuses on the broader state of the dance scene. Visitor numbers are shifting, budgets are shrinking, audiences exit differently than a decade ago, and there is pressure on venues and clubs - yet the scene continues to innovate. What does this mean for those building a career in nightlife now?

Justin Verkijk (including The Beat 3FM) will discuss with Joost Vervoort, associate professor at Utrecht University who researches the future of music culture. Together with the audience, they will explore what is needed to keep the scene healthy. The session is facilitated by Theo Ploeg and is intended for creators, organizers, programmers, policymakers and the public.

The Nacht Academy is aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about organizing dance events and building a sustainable career in nightlife culture. The initiative was named 'Best Initiative' at the Limburgse Popprijzen in December 2025. The full programme of eight sessions is divided between Nieuwe Nor and Muziekgieterij:

Session 1: Concept Development - 16/9 - Nieuwe Nor - Pieter Lepelaars and Tim van Mol (Pixl Club)
Session 2: Inclusivity and Safety in Nightlife and DJ Culture - 30/9 - Muziekgieterij - Doeshka Vrede (The Other Side) and Bram van Heugten (UM)
Session 3: Project Development - 14/10 - Nieuwe Nor - Brent Roozendaal (Drift, Breakfast Club)
Session 4: Marketing & Communication - 4/11 - Nieuwe Nor - Nina van Leusden (Pinkpop) and Jet Wesselink (Dekmantel, Paradiso, Motie)
Session 5: Sustainable Organization - 25/11 - Muziekgieterij - Koos Zwaan (lectorate Innovation in the International Music Industry) and Ellen Evers (DGTL)
Session 6: Booking and Programming - 9/12 - Nieuwe Nor - Rutger Smitshuijzen (Dekmantel) and Kim Teeuwen (booker/artist manager)
Session 7: (Pre)production - 13/01 - Nieuwe Nor - Stan Drenth (Straal) and Dennis Ceha (Radius)
Session 8: The State of the Dance Scene - 27/1 - Muziekgieterij