Detroit-Berlin Connection

The 24-hour Heartbeat of Detroit: Illuminating the Night’s Creative Soul

Detroit, known for its rich history in music, art, and culture, comes alive at night. From the harmonious melodies of jazz to the pulsating beats of techno, the city has always been a hub for creativity that thrives after sunset. However, while we dance, celebrate, and express ourselves, have we ever stopped to think about the impact of our creative economy on the city?

Enter the Detroit-Berlin Connection. We’ve embarked on a journey, which is the Detroit Nightlife United initiative, uniting over 150 artists, DJs, venues, event promoters, and businesses from across Detroit. This unity culminated in the appointment of Detroit’s First Independent Night Ambassador, Adriel Thornton. A name that resonates with passion, commitment, and involvement in numerous city endeavors, Adriel is poised to be the voice representing our collective interests.

Our triumphs so far have been heartwarming, with the community receiving our initiative with overwhelming enthusiasm. But there’s more to do. The very essence of Detroit’s night culture, its economic and creative significance, remains largely untapped and unquantified. And that’s where we need your help.

We’re setting out to raise $75,000 for a groundbreaking white paper study by Vibe Lab. VibeLab is an organization co-founded by Mirik Milan (the former Night Mayor of Amsterdam) and Lutz Leichsenring (a key advocate for Berlin’s club culture). VibeLab works on various projects related to night-time culture and economy around the world. In essence, VibeLab’s mission revolves around promoting, protecting, and leveraging the cultural and economic potential of nighttime economies in cities around the world. Their expertise is sought by cities looking to strike a balance between vibrant nightlife and the challenges it can pose, such as noise complaints or safety issues.

This study aims to quantify Detroit’s creative footprint in hope of illustrating what our creative economy brings to the table. By doing this, we’ll not only understand our own worth but also position Detroit’s night scene on a global platform, attracting investments, artists, enthusiasts from around the world, and bolster tourism to the city of Detroit based on our Creative economy.

Several esteemed organizations are ready to back us up. But every dollar, every cent, matters. With your support, we can quantify the unquantified, celebrate the unsung, and propel Detroit’s night culture into the limelight it truly deserves.

Join us. Let’s write Detroit’s next chapter together.