Amsterdam, renowned for its picturesque canals, world-famous museums, vibrant atmosphere, and reputation as the capital of freedom, was also the first city in the world to envision appointing a “night mayor.” In a city where life doesn’t stop at sunset, the need arose for such a role, to coordinate and promote nightlife while considering aspects like safety, economy, and culture, and it is currently held by Freek Wallagh.

A poet, activist, and Amsterdam painter with a remarkable talent for capturing the essence of his hometown’s life, Freek began his career at just 15 years old in the famed Red Light District. Wallagh passionately writes about the communities and individuals that define Amsterdam – from drag queens and activists to sex workers, artists, and the homeless. He acts as an emotional historian, documenting the lives and challenges of those on society’s fringes.

With a natural inclination towards performative poetry, he draws deep inspiration from punk, burlesque, and drag movements, as well as the cultural events where he made his stage debut. The result? A show with an intense, satirical rhythm, prompting reflection and exuding unique authenticity.

As his title suggests, Freek Wallagh isn’t the mayor who wakes up with the first ray of sun but the one overseeing the city’s nightlife. With clear vision and determination, he has taken on the responsibility of ensuring Amsterdam remains a safe, vibrant, and inclusive place at night. Above all, his role is to build communication bridges between the city’s various stakeholders – from club owners to law enforcement and everyday citizens looking for a night out. His approach is a human one, based on dialogue and mutual understanding.

On September 30th, Freek Walagh is coming to Timișoara, for the Culture of Nightlife Conference, offering us a unique opportunity to learn from Amsterdam’s experience.

 

TICKETS HERE

 

______

This project is part of the national cultural program “Timișoara – European Capital of Culture in 2023” and is financed through the Grow Timișoara 2023 program, carried out by the Project Center of Timișoara Municipality, with funds allocated from the state budget, through the budget of the Ministry of Culture.

The Night-Art Festival is presented by George, the first smart banking.

Sponsors: Fan Courier, Iulius Town, ATP Motors, Pepsi

Project partners: Leeds City Council, In-Edu Association Timișoara, German Cultural Center Timișoara, Cluj Cultural Center, West University Timișoara, University of Art and Design Cluj-Napoca, Polytechnic University of Timișoara

Communication partners: Getica OOH, Aushopping galleries, Kiss Fm, Euromedia, Pressone.ro, G4Media.ro, World Wide Print, Daisler Print House, Știri din România, Tion, Express de Banat, IQOOL, Zile și Nopți, Știri de Timișoara, NewsVest, Adevărul, TVR, Radio Timișoara, România Pozitivă, Best of Timișoara