Opening Night – Out in the Open
Opening Night at Treehouse NDSM set the tone for Pride Art Route 2025 — an evening of art, music, and unexpected performances. From spontaneous dance to powerful storytelling, from collaborative creations to drag and DJ sets, the night was a vibrant celebration of queer identity, community, and magic.
EVENTS!
7/22/2025
Opening Night – Pride Art Route @ Treehouse NDSM
On July 22nd, from 18:00 onwards, visitors were welcomed into the Treehouse Pavilion for the official opening of our participation in the Pride Art Route.
The mezzanine on the upper floor hosted the exhibition, where twelve artists showcased their queer visions through paintings, installations, and interactive works, transforming the space into a sensory and identity-filled journey.
During the first hour, something unexpected caught everyone’s attention: without any announcement, a dancer began moving in front of Vico Persson’s artwork, while downstairs a pianist improvised music, following the dancer’s movements. This spontaneous artistic dialogue was both powerful and mesmerizing.
Meanwhile, some visitors took part in the creation of a collective artwork and joined a small musical workshop led by Yung-Tuan, adding more layers of interaction and creativity to the evening.
Then, the deep and theatrical voice of Guido Hoek resonated through the space, inviting the audience to follow him into a darkened area. There, he delivered an intense performance on the theme of toxic masculinity.
My role as curator took shape in a guided walk through the artworks: the artists who were present spoke about their own stories and visions, while I shared the narratives of the absent artists and introduced my own pieces. It was a moving and connective moment, with the audience deeply engaged.
The evening continued with three more songs from Guido, exploring difficult relationships, self-acceptance, and the determination to be true to oneself. Between music, food, and drinks, the audience also enjoyed a lively performance by drag king Mannish Pixel, who captivated the crowd with an electrifying lipsync.
And, as often happens at Treehouse, the night turned magical: an unannounced yet powerful DJ set by DJ Silver kept everyone dancing and smiling until late. Amid laughter, hugs, and a shared sense of fulfilment, Opening Night closed with the feeling that we had experienced something truly unique and unforgettable.
Photo by Bruna Sousa
