Cult=Us was the stage for our latest 2025 Programmers' Consultation last Friday. On Friday 10 October, it was once again time for a programmers' meeting. It was a grim evening: grey, and drizzling constantly. Therefore, the expectation was not that we would be sitting in front of a sold-out crowd. Fortunately, we were wrong, we were pleasantly full, which also gave our team the inspiration to make it a constructive, productive evening again. 

In two break-out sessions, after a plenary review of 2025 and joint dreaming about 2026 (though perhaps a little too soon), safety in -and the image of Rotterdam as a night city were discussed. In both sessions, the aim was to outline the current situation, with its problems, followed by brainstorming for solutions and/or reforms. A detailed report of both break-outs can be found below.

The image of Rotterdam nightlife

During the breakout Image Rotterdam as a night city, we talked about improving the image of our city's nightlife. The aim of the breakout was to go out with ideas, action points, policy proposals and project proposals. In this document, we have summarised the participants' input and compiled it by section. A number of focal points stand out strongly in it, such as the lack of continuity of supply and its poor findability for outsiders. 

When we talk about the image of a city, it is not static, it is constantly changing and can also change due to external factors such as economic pressures, urban development and policies. The image of a night city consists of its reputation outside the city; reputation internationally; attraction for new students/residents; and attraction night tourism.

WHAT IS THE IMAGE NOW? 

GENERAL PICTURE
Rotterdam's current image as a nightlife city is that of a city with a lot of potential, but a variable and fragmented nightlife. Rotterdam is still often seen as a working or sleeping city, where it is not always buzzing, despite a strong local scene with talented DJs, collectives and labels such as Clone and Nous'Klaer. While the energy and creativity are undeniable, nightlife often remains unpredictable: sometimes it is "on", sometimes surprisingly empty. The city has a raw and tough image, which makes it unique, but also makes it feel less accessible or inclusive to some. Rotterdam is also often compared to cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, or to international night cities, usually not to its advantage. There is still the image of a city "under construction" - energetic, quirky and talented, but without the cohesive story and infrastructure it deserves. 

PUBLIC
Rotterdam has a multicultural and creative crowd, but its nightlife is spread across many subcultures and islands. A sense of critical mass is missing: some nights are too quiet or do not attract enough visitors. Audiences also seem to have become more critical and selective - partly due to rising ticket prices, higher costs for clubs and promoters, and a general reluctance to go out late. Where going out used to be taken for granted, people are now more often weighing up whether it is "worth it".

ADVERTISEMENT
Rotterdam remains a city of innovation and experimentation. Some events stand out precisely because of their free, experimental nature, reinforcing the image of a city where you can find "something different" from the mainstream club scene. The offer is wide, but unstable and fragmented. Venues come and go quickly, making it difficult to build a lasting reputation for the city. On the contrary, the local collegiality and innovativeness among organisers is considered particularly strong. 

Recent years have seen both setbacks and bright spots. The closure of clubs like BIT, BAR, Mono and Poing, as well as the future disappearance of Schieblock as a cultural centre, have damaged the continuity and recognisability of nightlife. At the same time, there are hopeful new initiatives, such as the future opening of club Export in the M4H area, which, with its industrial atmosphere, space for sound and potential for a 24-hour licence, is seen as an important step forward. Stricter conditions, enforcement of noise standards, licence requirements and the cost of complying with them are cited as barriers. This makes it risky for new or experimental initiatives to create a stable base. 

FINDINGS
A major bottleneck remains the visibility and communication around nightlife. The spread of venues across the city makes the offerings diverse but also hard to find, and accessibility is a barrier for visitors from other cities .Many events are known "via via" or shared only within specific subcultures, making it difficult for outsiders to discover what's on. The lack of a central, reliable source or recognisable marketing campaign makes nightlife less visible than it deserves. The spread of venues across the city makes the offer diverse on the one hand, but also hard to find. Especially for visitors from outside the city, accessibility at night is still a barrier, even though public transport has improved in recent months.

POLICY
There is an increasing focus on nightlife within urban development and policy. More and more parties recognise the night as an essential part of Rotterdam's identity. Nightlife is given a permanent place in visions and plans: from spatial development to the integration of creative clusters and night-time urban planning. Those present appreciated the steps taken by the City of Rotterdam, such as the drafting of the Night Plan and the structural support of our own organisation, the N8W8 R'dam.

SAFETY
The city's security image has come under pressure in recent years. Incidents around Stadhuisplein and Kruiskade, and previously at already closed locations, as well as reports of violent incidents, sexual harassment and drug-related accidents, have contributed to a negative perception. Although many Rotterdammers indicate that the city is generally safe there is a sense of vigilance among some visitors in certain areas and at certain times. Parts of the city are perceived as grim or unpredictable at night, limiting the spontaneous appeal of nightlife.

CONCLUSION
Night is gaining recognition: in policy, in new initiatives and in the visibility of night culture platforms. At the same time, the foundation remains fragile. Economic support, accessibility, continuity and a sense of security are under pressure. Fragmentation within nightlife remains a challenge.

WHAT SHOULD THE IMAGE BE? 

EXPERIENCE
Rotterdam should feel like a raw, surprising and open night city full of energy, creativity and freedom. Visitors want to experience drive and passion, the opportunity to discover new things and be surprised. The atmosphere is open, social and relaxed, with a clear and findable offer and venues that are alive day and night. The night may be long and feel safe but exciting - with an industrial, adventurous aesthetic in which you can lose yourself without fear.

STORY
The story of Rotterdam night is that of an unpredictable and authentic city where "anything can happen". A place where audiences and artists are open to experimentation, where love for the scene is palpable and diversity and individuality are celebrated. People in other cities should say: "That's what you drive for - it's worth it." Rotterdam is always moving, raw, inclusive, energetic and a bit crazy, a city where it is always on.

REPUTATION
Internationally, Rotterdam should be known as "Europe's safe Detroit" mentions one of the attendees; a city with rock-hard energy, rebellious charm and a strong identity of its own. An underground Valhalla where artists feel free to express the strangest and most exciting sides of their music. A place that constantly reinvents itself, where cool initiatives are highlighted and boundless creativity is central.

APPEAL
Rotterdam should attract because of its authenticity, raw energy and surprise effect. It is a city where you can always experience something unique, with a village feel in a big city. The night is accessible and affordable, with long opening hours and a fresh, still-growing energy. A city that feels like it is still in the making - and exciting, real and irresistible for that very reason.

WHAT RESOURCES CAN WE DEPLOY?

OFFER & PROGRAMME
Rotterdam's image as a night city is enhanced by a rich, innovative and visible offer. This requires:
Grants for experimental electronic music and innovative initiatives, allowing organisers to take more risks (such as Rewire Festival in The Hague). Here, a good inventory should be made of what is currently missing and possibly directed (through open calls). 
Supporting clubs to prevent early closure. Not only financially, but also through spatial and urban planning solutions.
Structural programming and continuity, making nightlife recognisable and reliable.
Development of central hubs where audiences, makers and disciplines meet.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Rotterdam should profile itself as a multicultural, active, raw, surprising and inclusive night city.

This requires:
- A ongoing, positive campaign which shows what is happening instead of what is missing.
- Visibility of Rotterdam output (labels, producers/DJs, collectives) on international stages.

- Presence of Rotterdam delegation at ADE. (Bookers, promoters etc.) 
- Visibility through micro-influencers, night citizens and regular writers/creators sharing stories from the night.
- A strong and recognisable brand for Rotterdam nightlife, for example, under one banner: RTM @ Night.
- Visibility by a hipper alternative to the nightlife-only UitAgenda. Possibly supplemented by editorial content on nightlife. 
- PR campaigns by urban parties targeting specific areas such as M4H, including practical information ("how to get there, what can you do, how to get home?").
- A night tourism campaign with targeted international and national targeting.
- Quitting the narrative "the night is dead" - focus on energy, renewal and togetherness.

SAFETY
A vibrant nightlife starts with a sense of safety and hospitality. This requires continued investment in cooperation between the municipality, police and the nightlife sector to prevent incidents. Better night transport, shared mobility and accessible bicycle parking facilities also contribute to this, as do clear communication on how to get home safely. In addition, public campaigns on social safety - focusing on respect, consent and openness - are needed so that everyone feels free and welcome at night.

POLICY & STRUCTURE
Rotterdam needs a solid policy base that supports nightlife and makes it future-proof. This starts with a structural Night Agenda with clear goals, milestones and evaluation. Lasting subsidies for innovation, experimentation and collaboration ensure continuity. Municipal PR support towards media and cultural press is also important to increase the visibility of the night. Initiatives such as student pass discounts or party credit can encourage new audiences to enter the night. Finally, night culture requires consistent policies around noise standards, permits and spatial planning.

PARTNERSHIPS & TASK FORCE
A strong nightlife requires cooperation between government, culture, education and entrepreneurs.
Establish Taskforce Image Rotterdam as a Night City: a group of stakeholders (N8W8 R'dam, Rotterdam Partners, municipality, clubs, education, cultural sector) that will make a plan to improve the image. Structural consultation and knowledge sharing between venues, festivals, creative makers and policymakers. Involve educational institutions (students, art academies, Codarts, etc.) to connect the next generation of audiences and makers to the night. Continue to communicate and "keep beating the drum" - exude consistent enthusiasm.

Safety on the night of Rotterdam

Safety in nightlife was the theme of one of the break-out rooms given by Kim and Epifania. Epifania started with a talk on the figures of the past year. Because unfortunately, social safety in our country and city is not doing well. We are all aware of what happened this summer to Lisa, the 17-year-old girl who cycled home after a night on the town in Amsterdam and was murdered by a man.

In addition, it was explained that the term femicide refers to femicide in the context of domestic violence, committed by (former) partners or male relatives. The term highlights the structural inequality between men and women in society, which results in women being at greater risk of being killed. In the process, Epifania showcased the government's (Ministry of Security and Justice) new campaign called 'Where are you?'. A painful but clear example addressing the fact that, on average, a woman is murdered every eight days in the Netherlands. A harrowing picture. What emerged strongly was that the insecurity that takes place at home often has nothing to do with the night, if we are talking about the cultural aspect. It is therefore good and important to distinguish the two. Watch the video below and for more information, visit the website of Safe Home.

Then it was time to gain insight into local contexts experiences. The group was asked to stick post-its on three large sheets stuck in the room. On each sheet, social safety was approached from a different context: at the club, outside the club and on the way home. For instance, we had participants fill in themselves where they thought things were already going well in terms of safety and where people might still feel unsafe. In addition, we shared examples of initiatives already available such as the Safe'R spots, floor angels and SexMatters workshops. 

IN THE CLUB

What we soon noticed was that we agreed that things were not going well at all within the club. Security is not yet properly trained when it comes to social safety, and freelancers within security companies are often randomly placed in places where they are unaware of or do not understand the code of conduct. A lack of supervision and staff can cause restrooms to be perceived as grim or unsafe. Untrained staff and backstage areas for performers are also often not the safest places as there are many people walking in and out. Our visitors' wishes were for staff in clubs to be better trained, for clubs to invest in 'quiet spaces' where visitors can decompress and that more awareness is created among male visitors about their behaviour and its impact on others. 

OUT OF THE CLUB

Outside the club was also indicated as not being a safe place. Due to the shortage of shelters for homeless people, the street is often crowded at night, which can make many visitors feel uncomfortable, especially when a club night has ended and visitors are still unsure how to get home. Street harassment is also a frequently mentioned problem, especially among the queer community and among women. People who have been evicted from the club for whatever reason often wander around outside for a while, which can make them feel unsafe. It is important to many people that lighting is good in streets so that they can get from place A to B safely. 

ON THE WAY HOME

Spotted and used by many people already: the night bus, which many of our visitors are also really happy with. However, it was also mentioned that metro and train stations are still unsecured and unsafe in the evening/night. It would be nicer for women to travel together, and since taxis are very expensive in the evening, many women often choose to cycle or walk home alone anyway. 

HOW CAN WE STRENGTHEN SECURITY?

Then it was time to analyse what we as a target group can do to strengthen the sense of social safety at night. We started at visitors and community. Here it emerged that accountability is very important. This means that people pay attention to each other and hold each other accountable, especially in male groups.

From organisers and clubs are expected to train bar staff better and to have clear protocols against discrimination and in case of incidents, for example. It was also desired that clubs have a code of conduct and explain it at the door to anyone who walks into the club, that signs with simple house rules are visible everywhere in the club and that they invest in a good door host with experience. 

Municipality and carriers are responsible for subsidising education on social safety, according to participants. They are also responsible for certain measures that progressive clubs/events/communities already use to oblige at some more commercial venues. Making public transport run longer, including to locations outside the centre of Rotterdam. Put up bike racks closer to club locations and more budget towards training floor angels, ultimately they are the ones who keep things safe in a club setting. And finally, more lit streets. Even if there is a club in an industrial area, participants want to make sure everyone can get home safely. 

ONE LAST WORD

It was a fine Programmers' Meeting where much was talked about and shared with each other. Thanks to everyone who contributed, and of course a special thanks to Cult=Us, where we spent hours drinking and chatting! Would you also like to give your opinion and engage in conversation with others at a Programmeursoverleg? Then keep our agenda in the eye-the 2026 dates will appear there soon (we do 3 Programmer Meetings a year).