In March, we launched a short questionnaire on how the pandemic has affected different cities and some of the latest work agendas where our support could be most helpful. We may now share the results based on more than 50 replies that we received from over 40 cities**.

Global Nighttime Recovery Plan

During the initial stages of the pandemic, Chapter 5 – Nighttime Governance in Times of Covid-19 and its respective conference call were the most attractive of the series, slightly surpassing Chapter 1 – Managing Open Air Nightlife and Chapter 2 – The Future of Dancefloors.

These three chapters attracted the biggest share of respondents to the related online events  (around 80% each).

More than two-thirds affirmed to have been inspired by the compiled ideas or examples for their own work, which the majority used as references (written or oral) in city administration or academia.

Since time was often mentioned as the major obstacle to participation:

• If you still did not have the opportunity to read executive summaries per chapter and would like a shorter summary comprising all main points (i.e. visual format other than text, like an infographic), please let us know.

Recovery of nightlife activity in cities

Overall, the majority of respondents felt optimistic: about two-thirds replied that the level of nightlife activity in their city is back at 70% or more compared to pre-Covid (2019 = 100%). However, the remaining one-third felt less positive, with those thinking “it’s really bad” surpassing the ones that think it’s “better than ever” (see graph below).

Considering work agenda priorities, most respondents were setting up “grants and funding programs” as well as “nighttime safety”, followed by “awareness” (such as diversity and inclusion) and “changing laws and regulations”. Almost one-third of respondents were setting up a nighttime office or night mayor position. Despite the general increasing interest in wellbeing and mental health since Covid-19, “health and prevention” was surprisingly among the least voted priorities.

Helpful tools and upcoming priorities

To conclude, three instruments were identified as being the most helpful in nighttime recovery among roughly 60% of respondents:

• Collecting best practices from around the world; 
• Providing data on the economy, venues, and events;
• Leading awareness campaigns about night-time economy needs and challenges.

Moreover, the last open question identified the following emerging priorities in nighttime recovery efforts:

• Changes in demand due to long-term effects of Work From Home (physical/digital space, mobility, work-leisure hours)
• Global obstacles to recovery (scarce labor and supplies as a consequence of pandemic, inflation cannibalizing available budgets)
• International cooperation as a key solution
• Continuous support for advocacy work

We would like to thank all the participants once again for their valuable input. Stay tuned for VibeLab’s upcoming initiatives addressing many of the challenges mentioned above.

**Demographic

While more than half of the respondents were from Europe (with the UK, and London particularly, in the lead), about a quarter were from the US. Therefore, the majority of the respondents were from English-speaking countries.

In terms of professional occupation, more than half identified as Advocates (which included night mayors, club commissions, and activists), followed by Community (including artists and promoters). Both City (such as government) and Science (academia, scholars) appeared next, sharing the third place.

The post Results of cities’ nightlife recovery survey appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

The final chapter of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan is live!

This chapter is about using data for decision making and political nighttime advocacy 

The seventh and final chapter of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan is a go-to resource for anybody who wants to understand cities at night. It is a handbook of data methods and concepts for governments, communities, nightlife advocacy groups, and trade organisations – anybody looking to create safe, creative, and prosperous cities and scenes after dark. The chapter addresses evidence-based decision making in nighttime governance, and demonstrates how nighttime stakeholder organisations can utilise data for advocacy.

“Data are political”

Michael Fichman, Author of Chapter 7

This chapter is authored by GNRP editor Michael Fichman, who is an urban planning lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design and researcher at PennPraxis. Michael is also a nightlife community organiser and an industry veteran DJ, producer and event promoter based in Philadelphia.

The document features case studies and analytical methodologies such as Berlin Clubcommission’s, Clubkataster, BOP Consulting’s Nanjing Night Time Economy Index, VibeLab’s Creative Footprint Project and Voices of Creatives report, Sound Diplomacy’s Huntsville Music Audit and more. The document discusses the need for a “Nighttime Data Protection Standard” to protect individuals in nighttime spaces.  The chapter also references numerous case studies from the first six chapters of the GNRP.

The chapter features contributions and interviews from a global cast of advocates, practitioners, and scholars including Paul Owens (BOP Consulting), Shain Shapiro (Sound Diplomacy), Jia Yuan (CPCS, University of Pennsylvania), Thomas Scheele (VibeLab), Michael Schneurle (Open Mobility Foundation), Mark Adam Harold (Vilnius Night Alliance), Wambui Kinyua (Currents.fm), Leni Schwendinger (International Nighttime Design Initiative), Chingiz Batyrbekov (Kol Fest), Lutz Leichsenring (VibeLab, Berlin Clubcommission), and Alistair Turnham (MAKE Associates).

In the collaborative spirit of the GNRP, Chapter 7 is a truly open-source document – it comes with a GitHub repository of computer code to replicate some of the analyses referenced throughout the document. Sharing knowledge and skills is foundational to improving our nighttime world. 

• Circulate the GNRP within your social network and send it to policymakers who can create change.
  
• Read the chapter here

• Register for the online symposium with the authors of the chapter. 
  
• To arrange interviews with any of the contributors, or book a consultation session with VibeLab, by contacting us at jess@vibe-lab.org

The post Using data to measure and analyse the nighttime city appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

This instalment looks at various the ways that the state including national and local government can help the nighttime sector recover from the impacts of Covid-19, with key examples from across the world

The chapter provides a clear and adaptable manual for national and local governments, calling attention to a variety of best practices, in which the state can help nighttime sectors recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

Led by UK licensing barrister and longtime nightlife ally Philip Kolvin, the chapter focuses on the need for a new mindset based on creative partnership – rather than suffocating regulation, as it has been in the past.

To find out more head to the GNRP page on nighttime.org

The post GNRP Chapter 6: Sustaining our Nightlife Scenes (Part II) appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

• What is a night mayor? 
• And what other forms of governance exist to manage a city at night? 
• How have nighttime governance institutions helped communities survive Covid-19? 
• And how can your city go about building one from scratch? 

These are just some of the questions answered in Chapter 5 of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP) series, which draws on expertise, perspectives and case studies from nightlife communities across the world, to provide inspiration and information to nightlife industries as they recover from Covid-19. 

Find out more about the contributors on the GNRP page

Sign here to download Chapter 5

Sign here to attend a group call with the the chapter’s contributors

The post GNRP Chapter 5: Nighttime Governance in Times of Covid-19 appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

DOWNLOAD THE FOURTH CHAPTER OF THE GNRP

SIGN UP TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION ON 10th FEB 2021

The Global Nighttime Recovery Plan launches the fourth instalment that looks at support models for nightlife industry workers, individuals and vulnerable populations.

A collaboration from those working in nightlife and nighttime advocacy bring you a heartfelt and factual chapter four of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP)

Chapter four of the #GNRP is explicitly about the people who make up nightlife, their current needs and obstacles faced. Offering practical strategies from around the world with recommendations directed towards governments and industries willing to invest in nighttime culture.

Additionally, it provides recommendations for reforms which would create a more sustainable nighttime economy that provides more security, prosperity, and dignity to workers. industries, or other actors.

Why does it matter?

Nightlife was halted in March 2020 – part of the global shutdown response to prevent the spread of Covid-19. In early 2021, countries are still experiencing rising infection rates and business closures continue. Despite encouraging news about vaccines and rapid testing technologies, the end of the pandemic is not imminent and the hope that nightlife closures would be temporary has evaporated.

Nightlife workers have seen their income disappear, relief funds and subsidies have largely been insufficient with the majority of workers slipping through the cracks, adding to the fact that nightlife workers were often vulnerable and “unseen” prior to this pandemic.

“The pandemic has been hard on nightlife workers and on the spaces where they work. Creative spaces which rely on assemblies of people to generate revenue are the “first to close, last to open” –

Michael Fichman – City planner, researcher and lecturer at PennPraxis as well as nightlife organiser and musician.

Find out more about the contributors and Sustaining our Nightlife Scenes on the GNRP page

The post GNRP Chapter 4: Sustaining our Nightlife Scenes (Part I) appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

If you missed our Meet the Authors call for the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan Chapter 3: Innovating for 24-hour cities, you can catch some of the key takeaways below.

Download the full chapter here.

Introductory remarks 

Michael Fichman (PennPraxis/University of Pennsylvania), GNRP editor and coordinator 

Alistair Turnham (MAKE Associates), chapter 3 co-lead

• Nighttime culture doesn’t exist in isolation. We must look at all intersecting fields and services to develop a holistic plan for cities at night.

• During this pandemic we can utilise 24 hour time to create more space

• The chapter’s ideas are relevant now, but should also be applied in the long term, to create more resilient and dynamic cities.

“Light is the glue of the night”

– Leni Schwendinger (International Nighttime Design Initiative), Co-led the research and management the Global Nightime Recovery Plan’s third chapter.

• “We think of the night as a time, but actually the night is a place. It’s a canvas for us to design. 

• In doing so we must consider those of us who must be out at night – night workers or essential workers – as well as those who choose to go to the night for inspiration.

• Light is the glue of the night. It creates legible pathways and destinations, and must be integrated into all areas of urban design.

• Light can be used as malleable infrastructure, a flexible medium which can attract, create focus areas, and establish boundaries or separation – something especially necessary during Covid. 

• Light is an infrastructure of modernisation, and as such not available everywhere. Chapter looks at Lagos, Nigeria as a case study. Who has their world lit and who doesn’t? And for what purpose – safety, entertainment or function?”

Carlos F Pardo (New Urban Mobility Alliance), contributor to the third chapter.

• “In cities all over the world the first transport services that were cut when the pandemic hit were the night services.

• Night workers rely heavily on public transport. They cannot change when they travel or simply choose not to. They need a transport service they can trust to get them somewhere safely and on time, otherwise they could be mugged, killed, or lose their employment.

• Then there are those who travel at night by choice, and cities must also cater for their trips.  

• Most cities are not designed for either of these transport users. Transport is traditionally planned around the work schedule of a fully-abled 35 year old male of middle income.”

“Less enforcement, and more collaboration between police and community“

Dimitrios (Jim) Mastoras (Nightlife Safety and Policing Consultant), interviewee

• “Police often have an adversarial relationship with nightlife and hospitality venues, meaning operators have no incentive to ask for help, for fear it will be used against them. 

• In Arlington County we changed this culture over time through a proactive alliance policing model, which stopped focusing on arrests, and empowered operators to improve their practices.

• There were significant drops in alcohol related harm and violence as a result.

• Resorting to enforcement practices is no longer good enough. We need a collaborative perspective on issues, to come up with solutions that are mutually beneficial.”

“How do we interact with the drag racing scene when there are no venues or permanent spaces, no boss or central management – simply a community? Detroit is wrestling with this issue now.”

Cornelius Harris (Underground Resistance; Detroit Berlin Connection), interviewee

• Nightlife means something different in every city. A big feature of Detroit underground culture is illegal drag racing, where the city’s music and car cultures collide. 

• We should help people express themselves in this non-traditional way, and find spaces for them to do so safely, instead of criminalising their behaviour.

• People have existing ideas about who the night belongs to. A mental shift must come to acknowledge there are things of value outside the scope of our preconceived notions of the night. 

• Address the dynamic between police and community. Police could be part of the solution, by being proactive and interactive out in the community, rather than waiting for the worst to happen before reacting. 

How to co-exist – a broader notion of planning cities at night 

Andreina Seijas (Harvard University), GNRP editor and coordinator

• We need to bring together state and non state actors, and strengthen local alliances to cope with challenges of coexisting, and allow for decriminalization of certain activities and more flexibility of regulations. 

• Most nighttime regulations are focused on distribution of alcohol users and licensing. We need to find a way in which we can diversify sources of revenue and distribution of activities.

• As the field of nightlife studies grows around the world we are introduced to new perspectives – incorporating these will lead to a broader notion of planning for cities at night.

Read about global updates from the call here

Thank you to all who participated, we look forward to seeing you on the next call.

The post GNRP Chapter 3: Innovating for 24-hour Cities appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

Japan – Kana Ito

• There was no official lockdown, but nightlife businesses were forced to close. Government financial support was available. 
• 50-80% of customers back now, depending on location. Fewer customers in cbd area because risk of infection higher there. 
• We have been nearing normal nightlife operation since October, with additional precautions like staff in masks, temperature checks and detail collection on entry. 
• There is a possible threat of a third wave on the horizon

India – Varun Patra 

• The crisis has shown India’s problems, and not left our leaders anywhere to hide. 
• Hospitality has reopened in many cities, but at very low capacity – around 30%. Performance venues have also recently opened, seated only. 
• India has always been a bit lazy in how our cities and events are run. This is the chance for us to pilot new systems and implement essential safety protocols.
• Before the pandemic there was little to no al fresco dining in India. Bangalore has piloted this recently and other cities are likely to follow. 
• There has been no financial support for nightlife. 
• Livestreaming is already a tired format. We are exploring decentralized events – a hybrid model of online and offline, finding creative ways to bring alive our districts. 

Mexico – Adelina Lobo 

• There has been no lockdown for many months despite rising cases. 
• Restaurants are running but live music and stadium events are close. 
• Covid parties – where people deliberately get together in order to infect themselves – are a problem. 
• Private parties in general have become a huge issue for the government. Control is increasingly given over to criminals. 

New York City – Jose Soegaard

• Cases are rising again.
• Indoor seating is at 25% capacity only. Alcohol consumption must be with food, and we have a midnight curfew. 
• Since the beginning, all ticketed performances and events have been banned. Legislation currently in congress (with bipartisan support) to give grants to performance businesses of up to 12million to help them survive the next few months. 
• There has been an increase in outdoor activity thanks to an effective outdoor seating program which more than 10k bars and restaurants took advantage of. Happily, this program is now going to be permanent. 

The post Global updates from GNRP Chapter 3! appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.

Across the globe dance floors are reopening, albeit in different formats to the way we remember. Today the second instalment of the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan is launched with a focus on:

• Creative businesses model pivots to maintain revenue while the clubbing experience is impossible
• Responsible virus transmission mitigation tactics to make clubbing safe and enjoyable for patrons, staff and surrounding residents
• Innovative VR experiments to strengthen the nightlife community and test digital boundaries
• An equality framework tool to aid venues and promoters in analysing and improving their inclusivity during the pandemic and beyond

The impossibility of sharing physical dance floors has fostered experimentation, and forced the development of complementary activities and alternatives to stay alive, raise awareness, encourage conversation, build networks and collaborations among artists and venues.

DOWNLOAD CHAPTER 2: THE FUTURE OF DANCE FLOORS HERE

Re-Opening Update

 Croatia – Clubs are open, but only until midnight. Open Air Bars are Open regularly

– Hungary – Clubs are open again

– Czech Republic – Clubs are open again

– Iceland – Clubs are open again but 100 capacity Limit

– Slovakia – Clubs are open again

– UK – clubs are completely closed

– Belgium – clubs are completely closed

– Netherlands – clubs are still closed and only allowed to open with seated shows

– Lithuania – Clubs are open again

– South Africa – all closed we have curfew from 10pm

– Latvia – Clubs are open again

– Estonia – Clubs are open again since 1.7. large festival are running again

– Germany – Outside areas of clubs are open (Max 1000 capacity)

– Serbia – first opened, then closed again, now open until 1am

– Spain – clubs are completely closed

– Italy – clubs are completely closed

– Austria – 1am curfew for all venues. no masks indoor if less than 100people OR table reservations and distancing measures

– Switzerland – Clubs are open again (different capacity limits depending on cantons)

If we have missed out your city, or you have news, and updates to provide please reach out jess@vibe-lab.org

Read more about Chapter 2 of the GNRP: The Future of Dance floors here

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A global collaboration of some of the foremost minds on nightlife governance and urban planning, spearheaded by nighttime.org’s VibeLab, the Global Nighttime Recovery Plan (GNRP) has released its first chapter today, focusing on use of outdoor space.

“Pent-up demand for social activity combined with the continued restrictions on use of indoor areas has led to a sudden increase in demand for outdoor space,” the report states.

“In times of closed clubs, postponed festivals and cancelled concerts, outdoor spaces play a key role in enabling safer gatherings, and providing opportunities for festival, club and event operators to stay active.”

The GNRP’s first chapter features case studies from open-air dance events in Berlin, Germany and large-scale pavement cafes in Vilnius, Lithuania, also referencing examples from Paris and Orlando as it analyses the challenges and opportunities for global cities in unlocking open-air public space for nightlife purposes.

In response to the severe fragility of nightlife industries all over the world due to COVID-19 restrictions, and acknowledging the universal need to socialise, the GNRP aims to push global dialogue towards local government action and innovation, resulting in safe and realistic solutions for the recovery of nighttime economies.

What next?

It has never been more obvious that we need genuine local government by the people, for the people. The pressure caused by the pandemic has shown that city authorities need to be close to their populations, to communicate clearly with their residents, to win the trust of their business communities

We invite the nightlife community to…

1. Build the dialogue online by circulating the GNRP, and sharing examples of open-air nightlife practices in your area.

2. Communicate GNRP ideas and resources with your local government and petition them to take action with public space.

We also invite local governments and nightlife stakeholders to…

3. Analyse local opportunities and challenges in adopting best practices via 1:1 consulting sessions

4. Develop an action plan unique to your city.

Find out more about: The Global Nighttime Recovery Plan

The post Managing outdoor space and sound: Chapter One of The GNRP looks at Open Air Nightlife and Covid-19 appeared first on NIGHTTIME.ORG.