Democracy After Dark

Club Hall in collaboration with CCI Contact Desk and Goethe-Institut Tallinn, organised a panel discussion at Tallinn Music Week, 10 April 2026 followed by a reception for night life curators.

Culture is a pillar of democracy. Especially in moments of uncertainty, to participate in culture is to participate in the democratic life of a society. 87% of European citizens agree that culture is a key factor in making people feel more European, and that it plays an important role in developing greater understanding and tolerance. Yet the question remains: how do we put night culture at the heart of democracy?

This panel addresses that question through real examples of practice, policy and imagination. Taking stock of the European Commission's cultural compass, this panel provides the map by showing how night culture can become a pillar of democratic life through cultural programmes, education, strategy, vision and political commitment across European cities.

By spotlighting initiatives such as those in Ukraine that use night culture to support inclusion, mental health and the reintegration of war-affected communities, the discussion connects policy language to reality. It shows that when access to and participation in culture are treated as democratic essentials, night culture becomes the civic infrastructure of urban life.

 

• Online presentation by Martin Fuller, Dean of Tresor Academy of Subcultural Understanding
• Keynote introduction by Sharon Barry, Director of Culture Ireland

Panel Speakers:

• Liisi Ree, Cultural Sector Project Manager of Tallinn Culture and Sports Department
• Freek Wallagh, Night Mayor of Amsterdam
• Anne Petzold, Nightlife Coordinator of Leipzig
• Sharon Barry, Director of Culture Ireland
• Vlad Yaremchuk, Programming Director of Atlas Festival, Partnership Manager at Music Saves Ukraine

Moderator: Alessandro Paciaroni, Night Culture Advocate