Take a trip into bright and bold future worlds after dark at ACMI.
ACMI Nights is back for 2025 with a mesmerising line-up of artists and collectives redefining the future of Melbourne’s local music scene and showcasing the dynamic intersection of cultural heritage, technology and art.
Sound artist and live coder Nū and DJs Brown Suga Princess, Tina Disco and Zjoso will lean into new sounds and movements, and exhilarating performances from MaggZ, Kieran Butler and Burn City W_ack & Kiki House of Sassy Savage will keep you up late and in excellent company.
As always at ACMI Nights, enjoy rare after hours access to our galleries. Step into a vibrant realm of resistance and reclamation in Serwah Attafuah’s five-screen artwork The Darkness Between the Stars. Explore the neon-soaked streets of sci-fi worlds in the Future & Other Fictions exhibition.
Then re-emerge to our transformed Lightwell Foyer to play Saltsea Chronicles or Umarangi Generation in our pop-up arcade, sip on a delicious cocktail or two, or heed the call of the dancefloor.
Artists
Zjoso
7–7.45pm
West African-born, Naarm-based Zjoso is a DJ, curator and founder of TRUBQU, a platform celebrating underground music. Known for genre-blurring, soulful sets, his work bridges communities through rhythm and movement. A Skylab favorite and club mainstay, Zjoso is shaping Melbourne’s dance culture with passion and precision.
Kieran Butler
7–7.45pm
Kieran Butler is an artist and creative producer working across photography, textiles, and design. Their practice explores queer identity, environmentalism, and inclusive, sustainable futures within a trans-neuroqueer framework. Based on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land, Kieran’s work provokes reflection on hope, intimacy, and transformative ways of living.
Burn City W_ack & Kiki House of Sassy Savage
7–10pm
Burn City W_ack is a Melbourne-based community dedicated to Waacking, a dance culture that emerged in Los Angeles’ underground LGBT clubs. For eight years, it has provided a safe, inclusive space, connecting locals with international leaders.
The Kiki House of Sassy Savage, founded by Mother Wan Sassy Savage in 2020, is Hong Kong’s first Kiki House. Expanding to Australia in 2023, it promotes Ballroom culture, empowering diverse members to embrace authenticity and showcase their talents.
Nū
7.45–8.15pm
Nū, an Ethiopian-Australian sound artist and live coder, blends Afrofuturism with jazz, RnB, and electronic using Sonic Pi. Known for her project CODE-SWITCH and standout performances at Melbourne Music Week and internationally, Nū crafts immersive, improvisational sonic experiences.
Brown Suga Princess
8.15–9pm
Brown Suga Princess, a DJ and event producer on Wurundjeri Country, blends South Asian heritage with footwork, jungle and heavy bass. As part of South Asian collective Kerfew, they’ve supported global acts like Jyoty and Yung Singh, creating expressive, connected dance floors across Melbourne and beyond.
Tina Disco
9–10pm
DJ and producer Tina Disco fuses 90s electronic sounds with her Latina roots – Baile Funk, Neoperreo and Latin Bass. Her bold, soulful sets and EP LATAM IS BURNING showcase her love for rhythm and connection, making her a rising force in Naarm’s vibrant music scene.
MaggZ
9–10pm
MaggZ is a Naarm-based movement artist and creative director of Chinese-minority descent. MaggZ specialises in waacking – an freestyle dance from the 1970s LA Latinix and African American queer community. Their hybrid practice spans street dance, sound and site-specific art, earning accolades like the Young Creative Awards and multiple Green Room nominations. MaggZ’s work is bold, visceral and community-focused.
Menu
Food
Pani Puri (vgn)
Spiced potato, chickpeas, tamarind, aromatic water (x3) $16
Slow Cooked Beef & Yam Croquettes (gf)
Scotch bonnet aioli (x3) $16
Vegan Samosas (vgn)
Coconut raita, mint, coriander (x3) $16
Chicken Momo
Timur pepper achar (x3) $18
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Drinks
Cocktails
Yu’zu Negroni, Campari, Yuzu liqueur, gin, sweet vermouth $22
Rosey B, Bourbon, rosemary syrup, ginger syrup, ginger beer $22
Mocktails
Pea Flower Tonic, Lyre’s London dry, butterfly pea syrup, lemon, tonic water $16
Wine
Woodbrook Farm Brut Cuvee $12.50
Woodbrook Farm sauvignon Blanc $12.50
Robert Oatley Signature Chardonnay $14.50
Robert Oatley Signature Pinot Noir $14.50
Woodbrook Farm Shiraz $12.50
Beer & Cider
James Boags Premium Light $10
2 Brothers Pay Day Pale Ale $14
Brick Lane Natural Draught (355ml Can) $13.50
2 Brothers Little Apple Cider $12.50
Soft
Coke / Diet Coke / Sprite / Solo $5
Cool Ridge Still & Sparkling Water $5
Food & Drink
Enjoy specially designed snacks and a wide selection of drinks.
Interactives
Play Umurangi Generation and Saltsea Chronicles in our pop-up arcade.
ACMI Shop – open til late
Browse clothing, gifts, books, homewares, toys and more for the screen lovers in your life.
The Future & Other Fictions
World Premiere Exhibition
Thu 28 Nov 2024 – Sun 27 Apr 2025
From cyberpunk megacities and first knowledges to rewilded landscapes and sci fi renegades, The Future & Other Fictions showcases the people, artworks and ideas that shape tomorrow.
Major Exhibition Partner
Major Technology Partner
Supporting Partners
Media Partner
Event Partner
Thanks to Haymes Paint for generously providing the Ultra Premium Eggshell paint featured in The Future & Other Fictions.
Plan your visit
Visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.
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