The MELLYs is coming to Rotterdam: Book Your Exclusive Table now!

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After months of preparation, the scene is set: The MELLYs, Kunstinstituut Melly’s brand-new awards celebration and benefit dinner, is ready to welcome you this November!

Taking place on Thursday, 27 November 2025, in Rotterdam, this inaugural edition honors the often-unseen contributors who keep the art world alive and thriving. It promises an evening of recognition, shared dining, and celebration: an experience you won’t want to miss.

Acquire your table or seat

Tables and individual seats are available, but they’re going fast. Secure your spot today to be part of the MELLYs celebration. Beyond celebration, the MELLYs is a vital fundraiser for Kunstinstituut Melly. Proceeds from the evening will directly support the institution’s 2026 programming, including a major retrospective of Moshekwa Langa.

The MELLYs introduce three award categories, each carrying a prize of €25,000

Maker Behind the Maker Award

Honoring the craftspeople, fabricators, and producers whose skills make artistic work possible.

Behind the Lens Award (formerly the Berry Koedam Award)

Recognizing photographers and documenters who expand how we see and remember art.

Visionary 010 Award

Highlighting Rotterdam-based cultural leaders whose initiatives shape the city’s creative life.

Thanks to the support of the Mondriaan Fund and Stichting Stokroos, these prizes celebrate those who make the art ecosystem possible.

An evening of recognition, dining, and celebration

The MELLYs combines an awards ceremony with a seated three-course dinner designed as a shared experience. The program will be moderated by Evita de Roode, with a performance by donna Kukama, and a dancefloor takeover by DJs Jollyfish. Scenography is by Loui Meeuwissen and production advice by Around010.