What happens when creatives are given spaces where they can truly express themselves? This panel explores how festivals like Burning Man and Fusion Festival, as well as underground club scenes, provide vital environments for artistic freedom and collective experiences. We'll discuss the broader social value these spaces offer, and why regulations need to evolve to allow creativity to flourish. How can we preserve and nurture these spaces while fostering vibrant communities? Join us for a conversation about the balance between creative freedom and the structures that shape our cultural landscapes.

English Culture / Community Policy & Politics / Administration

Moderation

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  Ella Overkleeft she/her

  Rural Radicals Netherlands

  With 15 years of experience in the Cultural and Creative Industries, Ella has made impact with projects in the field of arts, culture and social innovation all over Europe. She is the co-founder of The Night Mayor Foundation in Amsterdam …

Speakers

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  Ariel Palitz she/her

  First & Former Nightlife Mayor of NYC United States

  Ariel Palitz is New York City’s first “Nightlife Mayor.” Appointed as the Founding Director of the Mayor’s Office of Nightlife serving under both Mayor Bill de Blasio and Mayor Eric Adams (2018 to 2023). In that time, she used her …

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  Başak Tüsüz she/her

  Aalborg University Denmark

  Başak Tüsüz is an architect, curator, and researcher based in Copenhagen. Her work integrates theory and practice, drawing on interdisciplinary dialogues that combine art, design, technology, architecture and cultural criticism. She is …

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  Karoline Lucks she/her

  Mensch Meier / Fusion Festival Germany

  Karoline Lucks has been active in various roles in the cultural and event sector for over 10 years: whether as part of the collectively run club Mensch Meier in Berlin, which had to close in January 2024, as a booker (including Fusion …

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  Laurenz Forsthuber he/him

  Laurenz Forsthuber Austria

  After the first illegal parties were increasingly disrupted by the police in 2009, Laurenz and the Märchenwald collective began organising demonstrations to advocate for the use of public spaces for non-commercial open-air events. During …

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  Steven Raspa he/him

  Burning Man United States

  $teven Ra$pa is an artist, arts advocate, pacifist, community organizer and long-time event producer for Burning Man Project. He regularly speaks on art, urban planning, nightlife and culture. Raspa has over 30 years event production …

Location