Nieuwe Nor and Muziekgieterij work together on the night

Nieuwe Nor is proud to launch the second edition of the Nieuwe Nor Night Academy, a six-month training and talent development program aimed at organizational talent within South Limburg’s night and electronic music scene.

Out of 20 potential candidates, seven new communities from the South Limburg region were selected to participate this year. They will have the opportunity to develop their ideas and concepts with professional guidance, seminars and their own event within Nieuwe Nor.

This year, the Academy will be strengthened by an exploratory collaboration with Muziekgieterij Maastricht. “The ambition of both venues within the dance scene has always been to strengthen and connect the region. We are now taking a concrete step towards that. Talks are already underway for 2026 to expand the cooperation even further, an ambition we both share.” – Brent Bemelen, head programmer Nieuwe Nor.

“Pop venues are in constant need of new organizational talent. Supporting their creative growth is essential to ensure a vital pop sector – whether in Heerlen, Maastricht or elsewhere in the region.” Thus Kees van den Berg, director of Nieuwe Nor

This collaboration is committed to cross-fertilization between the two venues and concrete in-depth opportunities for participants. The first outcome will be a public seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, to be held at Muziekgieterij in Maastricht. “Muziekgieterij and its production house are committed to talent development, in the broadest sense of the word. This ambition is not limited by the boundaries of a municipality, but we want to be a go-to venue for the entire region. Collaborations are decisive for this.”, Rob Driessen, head of Muziekgieterij Production House. “Together you may go slower, but you get further,” said Wim Smeets, creative director of Muziekgieterij.

About the New Nor Night Academy

The academy offers participants:

– A six-month mentoring program, with professional coaching within five content seminars;

– The opportunity to realize their own concept in Nieuwe Nor;

– Budget for marketing and promotion of their event.

(Guest)teachers

The seminars are led by Theo Ploeg and Daniël Stroes, who bring their experience and vision to deepen and give direction to the sessions. In addition to their guidance, we invite inspiring guest lecturers: leading music industry professionals who share their knowledge and practical experience. Among them:

– Tom van Wijk (ID&T)

– Tirsa Creussen (Pinkpop)

– Boy Boesten (Extrema, Solar)

– Martijn Mischofsky(Lofi Amsterdam)

– Camiel Pesch (Terra Nova and ra:dius festival)

– Kenny Mordang (D2D)

And more names to follow soon!