Workshop Safer Spaces with Deep Down East & Brussels By Night

During a previous reading & workshop organized by VI.BE and podiumkunsten, it became very clear to us that there’s a real need for guidance, case sharing, and exploring best practices to make spaces as safe and inclusive as possible in the event & cultural sector.

As a venue for culture and young people, we want to help expand our understanding in safer spaces, so we invited experts Vera Moro and Charles Pennec from the collective @deepdowneast, along with Harm Reduction Manager Pauline Draps from @brusselsbynight, to share their knowledge and insights gained through their experiences in (Brussels’) nightlife.

We started with 'the basics' —which, for many of us, are far from basic knowledge.
As a sector and as individuals in (public) spaces, this is something we collectively need to prioritize. What does consent mean? How do you create an inclusive space according to the “unicorn” principle? And to what extent can you minimize risks of unsafe situations at events without putting yourself in danger?

Many questions and cases were raised by participants, and we worked through them as a group. However, many also went unanswered. We’re far from done talking about this.

Special thanks to Vera Moro, Charles Pennec & Pauline Draps. You are a driving force in making nightlife spaces safer.

Keep an eye on our socials for more workshops, readings & event.