For six days in February, Buenos Aires hosted BAD as a city-wide event that combined education, performance and public activation. What began on February 11th with an opening gathering quickly expanded into a programme that moved across venues and neighbourhoods, connecting industry professionals, artists and audiences. The photo gallery we feature in this article documents that progression, not just the key moments on stage, but how the event unfolded throughout the city.
Usina del Arte functioned as the central hub for the conference days. Across two rooms, panels and workshops brought together international figures and key voices from the local scene. From Richie Hawtin, who led a conversation on the evolving relationship between technology and creativity, to Indira Paganotto reflecting on artistic growth and global touring. Carlita, Kevin de Vries, Mariano Mellino, Kolombo and Fran Bortolossi contributed to discussions that focused on practical experience rather than abstract theory.
The programme addressed multiple layers of the electronic music ecosystem. Sessions explored marketing strategies, digital communities, booking structures and label dynamics. The “Women in Music” panel, featuring Victoria Engel, Inda Jani, La Cintia and Lolu Menayed, examined visibility, sustainability and long-term change within the industry. Necessary conversations about subjects that demand ongoing dialogue, transparency and collective responsibility.
However, BAD was conceived as more than a conference. A defining element of the event was its deliberate expansion into different parts of Buenos Aires. The intention to showcase the city was evident in the choice of locations and formats. Pop-ups and special activations placed electronic music in public, recognisable spaces, creating a dialogue between sound and architecture.
Caminito hosted one of the most striking moments of the week, as Indira Paganotto performed in a setting more commonly associated with tourism than club culture. Carlita’s set at Puente de la Mujer reframed the iconic structure within a contemporary electronic context. Richie Hawtin appeared in an outdoor activation that brought crowds together in an open urban environment. Above & Beyond held a meet-and-greet near the Obelisco, reinforcing the connection between global acts and the local audience, showing how the event naturally blended into the city and let each location become part of the experience.
Electronic music did not remain confined to dedicated venues; it intersected with everyday movement throughout the city. The images collected here reflect that interaction: DJs positioned against architectural landmarks, crowds forming organically, daylight and nightlife blending into a continuous programme.
The weekend marked a transition towards larger-scale performances at Parque de la Ciudad for Ultra Buenos Aires. While production expanded significantly, the earlier conference discussions provided context. The event did not split into separate identities; rather, the educational and performance components complemented each other, reinforcing BAD’s broader framework.
Sideshows at Crobar, Deckhaus and Palacio Alsina brought together Charlotte de Witte, Joseph Capriati, O.Bee, Tomas Station, Indira Paganotto and Massano, artists who made it clear they didn’t want to miss an event that felt both special and necessary for the scene.
Taken together, BAD demonstrated a model that integrates industry dialogue, public engagement and large-scale performance within a single urban narrative. This gallery captures that layered development, from focused panel discussions to open-air activations and peak-time festival stages. If you don’t want to miss what comes next and want to be part of this movement, follow BAD on their social media.
