The Nighttime Foundation launches as a non-profit for global nightlife communities

The Nighttime Foundation has now launched as a global non-profit born out of the advocacy work of nightlife research and consultancy, VibeLab, and spearheaded by a board that brings the multi-faceted expertise needed to champion nightlife. By building on connections between enthusiasts, creators, industry networks, and governments worldwide, the Foundation aims to amplify the vibrant ecosystems that contribute to thriving nightlife globally, ensuring that the people who create nightlife have the power to shape its future.

The Nighttime Foundation positions itself as a global thought leader, facilitating knowledge-sharing, fostering collaboration across various stakeholders, and championing best practices. One of the key outcomes of this approach is empowering local pilot programmes that enrich the global knowledge base, inspiring innovation in urban policy and elevating nightlife as a driver of social and economic sustainability.

The Foundation emerges at a critical moment when metropolitan environments are undergoing fundamental transformation after dark. Climate change accelerates this shift as rising temperatures push more activities to cooler evening hours, demanding sophisticated nighttime governance that urban planning has yet to embrace. As traditional retail and office properties face declining relevance, the 6pm-6am economy has become essential for keeping inner cities alive through flexible gastronomy, experiences, and culturally-rooted concepts. Beyond economic vitality, nightlife spaces serve as essential environments for social contact, joy, and self-expression, fostering community bonds that help cities respond to widespread isolation across all age groups. In our increasingly divided political landscape, these spaces offer genuine connection and community building—a vision now championed by a global movement of Night Mayors and Commissions across over 100 cities.

The Foundation’s board brings together a wealth of experience across nightlife, culture, and policy sectors. Chair Dr. Anna-Marazuela Kim brings expertise as an activist, advocate, and international advisor for culture in cities, working across academia, architecture, and non-profits. A cultural thinker and civic visionary, she champions nightlife as culture and a catalyst for bold, connected, and inclusive urban life. Treasurer Georgia McDonnell-Adams brings over two decades of experience as a culture and brand strategist, with proven expertise in transforming vision into human-first strategic outcomes for iconic brands like Boiler Room and Absolut Vodka. Secretary Kae Burke, co-founder of House of Yes nightclub in New York City, brings passion for fostering inclusive, arts-forward night culture communities that are both vibrant and impactful.

“From fire circles to dancefloors, nightlife has always been where humanity gathers to connect, create, and belong,” shares Kae Burke, Secretary.

Advocacy is at the root of the Nighttime Foundation mandate, inspired by the work of industry pioneers Mirik Milan (Amsterdam's former Night Mayor) and Lutz Leichsenring (Board Member and former Spokesperson of Berlin’s Clubcommission), co-founders of VibeLab.

“We're living in times of conservative policies, and nightlife remains one of the last social bastions for cultural expression; it needs constant support and strengthening. The Foundation helps communities innovate locally in ways that benefit the global nightlife collective,” says Mirik Milan.

A survey conducted by the Foundation gathered perspectives from over 100 nightlife advocates, professionals, and academics across the globe, revealing a sector ready to champion positive change. When asked what fuels nightlife success in their cities, respondents cited community engagement (63%) and progressive policies (61%) as the leading factors, indicating that when communities and governments work together, culture flourishes.

Respondents also had the opportunity to express their priorities for the Foundation’s work: nearly three-quarters (73%) called for best-practice toolkits, with notable demand for policy advocacy (68%) and professional networking (68%). These results provide a roadmap for action, one that the Nighttime Foundation is positioning itself to deliver on.

“The Nighttime Foundation has never been more vital. Creating a platform to share and learn from global best practices while celebrating those doing extraordinary work will help shift perceptions, strengthen a city’s economy, and showcase the power of life after dark in shaping its cultural and community landscape,” shares Georgia McDonnell-Adams, Treasurer.

“Nightlife is a powerful lens on the kind of cities we want to build—bold, connected, and alive. With the Nighttime Foundation, we have a chance to put nightlife where it belongs: at the heart of urban life, recognised as culture in its own right and essential to thriving communities,” shares Dr. Anna-Marazuela Kim, Chair.

The Foundation actively shapes the future of nightlife through three interconnected pillars that deliver real impact:

Innovation drives bold ideas in sustainability, safety, and technology. The Foundation is working on its annual NTEReport to spotlight entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors at the intersection of technology, culture, and economics, as they shape the future of nightlife.

Education builds knowledge and leadership through mentorships, reports, and peer-to-peer learning. The Foundation is undertaking a Nightlife Ethics Toolkit that consolidates case studies and practical templates to guide the community towards implementing ethical practices, globally.

Community brings together nightlife lovers and decision-makers through immersive events, global summits, and creative campaigns. Through Nighttime Labs, the Foundation hosts a dialogue series for a safer, inclusive, and sustainable nightlife at major international gatherings.

Join the movement. The Nighttime Foundation invites supporters worldwide to defend the night by contributing to its mission through a donation or by completing the global survey to actively inform the Foundation's work. The Nighttime Foundation is proud to have the support of Weeztix as they kickstart this exciting journey. Whether you’re an industry leader, creator, policymaker, or nightlife enthusiast, every voice matters.

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