Held from December 5th to 7th and organized by Brussels By Night and combining daytime discussions and conferences with festive evening events, Brussels Nightcall was above all a means of raising the profile of the sector's hard work, given the vulnerability, the accumulation of norms and the over-social role played by those involved in the nightlife industry. So what has been told and what's next ?
One of the main takeaways from the event was the urgent need for greater political and financial support for nightlife. Many industry professionals highlighted the precarious nature of the sector, emphasizing the impact of rising costs, regulatory constraints, and inconsistent policies.
As a direct response, we propose the creation of a dedicated nightlife fund, inspired by models in Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. This fund would support existing venues facing increasing costs, hybrid cultural initiatives, and local programming while promoting harm reduction and inclusive spaces.
Another key topic was harm reduction and safer spaces in nightlife. Experts and activists stressed the importance of preventive, upstream work to guarantee safer spaces for the public, as well as the staff. Good practices include regular training, collective work around policy and structural support for staff, as well as collective work and cooperation with other non-profits working in nightlife.
In response to this, we initiated the co-creation of a practical toolkit to share practices and improve harm reduction in Brussels. We also highlighted the need for long-term funding from institutions, while demanding nightlife structures to allocate structural resources to care work.
Noise pollution and relations with the community also emerged as significant concerns. Venue owners and cultural organizers acknowledged the growing tension between nightlife establishments and residential areas.
To address this, we wanted to remind that the Agent of Change principle is close to be adopted by the Parliament (future) and working hand in hand with the existing venues to prevent any potential closure. We also propose designating official nightlife districts within the city, integrating nightlife into urban planning discussions, and developing a dynamic mapping system to track existing and potential venues. Additionally, financial incentives for soundproofing and infrastructure improvements should be implemented.
Finally, the event highlighted the cultural and economic value of nightlife in Brussels. Beyond entertainment, the sector plays a fundamental role in shaping the city’s identity, attracting tourism, and fostering creative expression.
We'll also have a closer look to the situation of artists and try to continue to build the sector with its actors.
Brussels Nightcall demonstrated that the future of nightlife depends on collaboration, advocacy, and innovation. By pushing for these political measures, the city can work towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving nightlife culture.
You can find all the talk recordings on our Soundcloud
Comentarios