The nightlife culture in Romanian cities is examined in the first edition of the “Culture of Nightlife Conference” alongside top European guests.
Beyond kebabs, clubs, striptease, and slot machines, what kind of culture exists at night in Romania? What exists in other cities around the world?
What mechanisms affect Romania’s nightlife, what are the benefits of a cultural life pushed past 10 pm, and how have the world’s major cities adapted to a seemingly uninterrupted cycle without disturbing the peace of residents for whom the night is meant for sleep?
Starting with the premise #CultureDoesntSleep, the “Culture of Nightlife Conference” is an event aiming to change perceptions about culture, optimal moments, and how it can be consumed. Thus, on September 30th, as part of the Lights On – The Night-Art Festival, a conference takes place. Guests include speakers with remarkable stories and qualifications from countries like the Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, and England, as well as Romania, who dedicate their lives and studies to the night and the distinct culture that deserves to be heard.
Among them is Freek Wallagh, recently elected Nachtburgemeester (Night Mayor) in Amsterdam. A graduate of the University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Political Science, Freek is also a co-founder of the cultural organization Nachtlab and a regular contributor to the newspaper De Volkskrant. At 24, Freek combines the talent of an activist poet and a political scientist with event organizing. Freek Wallagh began his career as a poet but chose unconventional places for promotion, such as squats and illegal parties in the city. Freek is a fervent advocate of nightlife and believes that it is often overlooked, thus campaigning for its appreciation. In Amsterdam, he provides a platform for young artists and supports the krakersscene community.
Prof. Dr. Marion Roberts comes to the “Culture of Nightlife Conference” in Timișoara to provide an academic and anthropological perspective on how the nighttime economy can be overextended. Dr Marion Roberts is internationally recognised as a researcher in the specialist topic of the urban night within the broad field of urban design and planning. Marion is Emeritus Professor of Urban Design at the University of Westminster, London, UK. She has led funded research projects on the night time economy since 2002, with grants from prestigious charitable trusts, local authorities and sponsorship from the UK government. Marion has undertaken advisory roles for the UK Parliament and convened a Taskforce in London’s West End. She has published widely on the topic of night time in academic articles, book chapters and specialist journals. Together with her colleague, Dr Adam Eldridge, she published the book, Planning the Night Time City in 2009. Marion is carrying forward her work connecting urban design and night studies in her Leverhulme Emeritus Fellowship project, Urban Design and the Urban Night, which she is currently completing.
At the nocturnal conference on September 30th, Dr. Shira de Bourbon Parme will discuss the dualities of the night city, along with life-centered design concepts and their impact on urban biodiversity. Urban Wellbeing and Innovation Lead in the Regenerative Cities team in Ramboll, Dr. Shira de Bourbon Parme is an urbanist and social anthropologist, with extensive experience in urban design and a genuine passion for social and environmental sustainability – elements she combines brilliantly to offer a fresh and different perspective on city nightlife. Shira’s expertise is in embedding integrated wellbeing strategies in urban projects, with a focus on regenerative and inclusive life-centred strategies.
Another speaker with nighttime studies and innovative initiatives attending in Timișoara is Manuel Garcia-Ruiz. A prominent sociologist for various institutions, Manuel studies areas like nightlife, urban branding, and artistification. He is a prolific author and editor in Night Studies and cultural sociology and founded the International Night Studies Network. Moreover, Manuel Garcia-Ruiz oversees multiple urban networks and festivals. His contribution to the “Culture of Nightlife Conference” in Timișoara will be significant, considering his role in INSN.
More speakers will be announced soon, each with a strong background in culture, art, urban movement, and modern society design.
Unsurprisingly, the chosen venue for the “Culture of Nightlife Conference” in Timișoara is the underground car passage at Iulius Town. It will become pedestrian for a night to host the event and give attendees a moment to admire the true urban gallery present. This unique space will be the perfect host for an event that explores the intersections of nightlife, art, and urbanism.