Galway City attends NITIES project kick off in Zagreb, Croatia

The NITIES project officially launched on 4 & 5 June 2025 in Zagreb, Croatia, gathering partners and stakeholders from across Europe with a shared mission: to explore and enhance the night-time economy as a catalyst for urban transformation.

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Hosted by the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), our Lead Partner, the two-day event marked the beginning of a collaborative journey toward more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable cities after dark.

Day 1: Opening Sessions and Cultural Hubs
The kickoff began with a warm welcome from IRMO, setting the stage for dynamic partner introductions and in-depth presentations on project objectives, timelines, communication strategies, and planned activities.

A standout moment of the day was a guided study visit to two of Zagreb’s most influential cultural venues:
- Močvara Klub – A cornerstone of alternative culture and a hub for youth creativity.
- Pogon – Centre for Independent Culture and Youth – A collaborative platform empowering local artists, activists, and communities.
Both locations serve as powerful examples of how public and creative spaces can energize urban nightscapes and foster inclusivity.

Day 2: Policy Exchange and Iconic Venues

The second day featured insightful presentations from project partners on their respective Policy Instruments, highlighting how these frameworks connect with and support the development of the night-time economy.

A key session on stakeholder engagement, led by cultural policy expert Daniela Angelina Jelincic, emphasized the importance of inclusive dialogue and participatory planning in shaping effective night-time strategies.

The afternoon continued with site visits to two more prominent venues in Zagreb's night scene:
- Tvornica Kulture – A live music powerhouse known for hosting a wide range of performances and community events.
- Vintage Industrial Bar – A cultural anchor blending industrial aesthetics with cutting-edge programming.

These visits provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the live music sector, including issues related to infrastructure, regulation, and sustainability.

The event concluded with a joint reflection session, where partners shared takeaways from the study visits and discussed how observed practices could inspire change in their local contexts.