It isn’t just about ink — it’s about the stories behind it. You’ll find that same spirit in objects too. Step into the world of Klinkhamer Antiques and Hontō – Authentic Japanese Antiques: two unique pop-up shops filled with character, history, and beauty. From curiosities to Japanese craftsmanship, from mysterious to minimalist. For those who feel tattoos as heritage.

Amid the buzz of needles and ink, this edition also features two gems from the vintage scene: LILOS Vintage and Retro & Cool stuff. Think leather jackets, band tees, old-school accessories, and timeless pieces that tell a story — just like a good tattoo. Browse, try, and score something one-of-a-kind. Temporary, bold, full of character.

Barn & Belle is an Americana & Roots duo from the south of the Netherlands. In 2023, they were semi-finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Think close harmony vocals accompanied by an arsenal of Country & Folk instruments. Washboard, banjo, dobro, melodica, and their very own Travellers Drum Machine – it’s all part of the show! Barn & Belle play a vibrant mix of Americana & Roots music, with the chemistry between these two multi-instrumentalists taking center stage.

© Jeff Fasano

During the convention, you can also visit the TATTOO exhibition at Forum. Through art, photos, and artifacts, you'll discover how tattoos have been used and experienced around the world and throughout history. Highlights include lifelike silicone models tattooed by legends such as Filip Leu, Leo Zulueta, and Horiyoshi III. Especially for the Groningen edition, Henk Schiffmacher adds a new model and takes you along on his global tattoo journey.

You can visit the exhibition with your convention ticket – don’t miss it!

For the tattoo convention in the Forum, Henk Schiffmacher brings the best tattoo artists in the world to Groningen – and most of them bring their needles! Want to see them live at work? Come by! 

Want to get a tattoo? Make an appointment with your favorite artist in advance via Instagram. 

Colin Dale, Ayla Roda, Rafel Delalande, Phill Bond, Will Cattersel, Henning Jorgensen, Johan Svahn, Tycho  Veldhoen, Jacobus  De Quay, Olof Arrevik, Vincent Veldhoen, Tizi Tattoos, Rupa van Teylingen, Em Scott

For the tattoo convention in the Forum, Henk Schiffmacher brings the best tattoo artists in the world to Groningen – and most of them bring their needles! Want to see them live at work? Come by! 

Want to get a tattoo? Make an appointment with your favorite artist in advance via Instagram. 

Eric Perfect, Frederik Moens, Rich Hard, Nick Colell, Andreas Coenen, Derrick Snodgrass, Eddy Deutsch, Valerie Vargas, Alex Trufant, Pancho, Juan Puente, Paul Dobleman, Shane Enholm , Corey Miller, Daniele Hoang, Dan Sin, Dokter Lakra (Jeronimo Lopez Ramires), Chuey Quintanar, Freddy Corbin, Britton McFetridge, Luke Atkinson, Fillip Leu, Mick Zurich, Chris Garver, Scott Sylvia, Davide Andreoli

For the tattoo convention in the Forum, Henk Schiffmacher brings the best tattoo artists in the world to Groningen – and most of them bring their needles! Want to see them live at work? Come by! 

Want to get a tattoo? Make an appointment with your favorite artist in advance via Instagram. 

Yushi Takei / Horikichi, Herpianto Hendra, Ichibay (Hidenori ichihara), Megu Kamata, Taku Oshima, Orient Ching, Bunsin Horitoshi, Ichi Hatano, Xiaodong Zhou

How did tattooing evolve from something that was put on you to a form of expression that comes from within? Three tattoo artists from East LA brought tattooing from the back alleys to the art galleries—and changed the art form forever.

That transformation is at the heart of the groundbreaking documentary Tattoo Nation.

Year
2012

Featuring
Don Ed Hardy, Freddy Negrete, and Travis Barker

Directed by
Eric Schwartz

Running time
86 minutes

The convention kicks off with an interview by Erik Dijkstra with Henk Schiffmacher. As co-organizer, Henk will guide us through the event and shine a spotlight on several artists in each conversation. He’ll share why he personally invited them to come to Groningen!

Matt Lodder is a British senior lecturer in art history and theory, director of American Studies, and a tattoo expert at the University of Essex. He is also a curator of exhibitions and one of the university’s Public Voice Scholars.

Matt is the author of Painted People and Tattoos: The Untold History of a Modern Art. His podcast Beneath the Skin was awarded Best History Podcast at the 2023 UK Independent Podcast Awards.

On Friday evening, the theme of Matts talk is: Tattoos in film.

Felix, dare to dream is the impressive story of an existential journey. Felix Leu was a pioneer of modern tattoo art and a key figure in one of the most eccentric and respected families in the international tattoo scene: the Leu Family. A bohemian clan that turned freedom and creativity into an art of living.

This film is not just about tattooing—the story of Felix and Loretta is an ode to staying true to your dreams while finding your way in life.

Year
2023

Directed by
Morgan Bertacca and Valerio Bariletti

Duration
105 minutes

Texas Schiffmacher sits down with Valerie Vargas for an in-depth conversation about women in the tattoo scene.

About Valerie Vargas
Valerie Vargas is known for her signature girl heads, bold large-scale designs, and her love for traditional styles – from classic old school and fine-line black and grey to Japanese work. She gained international recognition through her appearance in Vice’s series Tattoo Age, which highlighted her artistic journey and unique style. Among her famous clients are Rihanna, Josh Homme, and Donald Glover.

Barn & Belle is an Americana & Roots duo from the south of the Netherlands. In 2023, they were semi-finalists at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

Think close harmony vocals accompanied by an arsenal of Country & Folk instruments. Washboard, banjo, dobro, melodica, and their very own Travellers Drum Machine – it’s all part of the show! Barn & Belle play a vibrant mix of Americana & Roots music, with the chemistry between these two multi-instrumentalists taking center stage.

© Jeff Fasano