Cities After Dark: Creative West Night-time Economy Summit
Next date: Friday, 28 August 2026 | 11:00 AM
to 05:00 PM
The City of Maribyrnong is dreaming big for Footscray, bringing together leading international and local voices in the night-time economy, culture and creativity to help shape a bold vision for the city after dark.
At the heart of that vision is Creative West: a landmark cultural precinct that will help revitalise the heart of Footscray. The investment logic behind this catalyst project recognises that creative infrastructure and programming can be a powerful driver of economic growth, community connection, safety, urban renewal and city vibrancy.
Cities After Dark is an invitation to explore and test the ideas behind that vision.
Bringing together international thought leaders, cultural innovators, urban designers, policymakers, industry leaders and importantly local traders and creatives, the Summit will examine how investment in arts, culture and creative infrastructure can transform cities after dark.
Facilitated by Churchill Fellow, artist and nationally recognised night-time economy leader Rebecca McIntosh (Bec Mac), the Summit features a rare Melbourne appearance by Mirik Milan Gelders, Amsterdam’s first Night Mayor and one of the world’s leading voices on the future of nightlife, culture and urban vitality.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, case studies and collaborative workshops, delegates will explore some of the biggest questions facing cities today:
- How can creativity drive economic growth and attract investment?
- What role does culture play in creating safer, more welcoming public spaces?
- How do vibrant night-time economies support thriving communities?
- Why are cultural identity and sense of place critical to a city's future?
- What partnerships are needed to unlock lasting change?
Followed by an optional Night Walk and Creative West experience.
Featured speakers
- Mirik Milan Gelders: Amsterdam’s first Night Mayor and Co-founder, VibeLab
- Rebecca McIntosh: Churchill Fellow, artist and night-time economy specialist
- John ‘JC’ Collins: Queensland’s first Night-Life Economy Commissioner
- Jody Haines: Artist
- Tim Hunt: Night Time Design specialist
- Dr Anna Edwards: Researcher and Night-time Economy scholar
- Jess Scully: author, city-maker and advocate for an expanded civic imagination
- Victoria Moxey: Director Programs, Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner
- Karen Bryant: CEO Creative Director, Midsumma
- Joyce Watts: Main Streets President
Program highlights
- International perspectives on successful cultural precincts and night-time economies
- A headline panel discussion: Art is Infrastructure. And After Dark? It's Everything
- Best-practice case studies from across Australia and internationally
- Conversations on creativity, belonging, identity and place
Book your ticket here
Creative West Nights
Participants are invited to experience Footscray though a guided walking tour, taking in some of the city’s public art. The tour will conclude at Footscray Library, the site for the future Creative West. At 6pm, the evening continues with the launch of Creative West Nights, showcasing local artists, music and creative experiences at Footscray Library across four Fridays, demonstrating how creativity can activate the city after dark and support local traders, artists and community connection.
Places are limited.
When
-
Friday, 28 August 2026 | 11:00 AM
- 05:00 PM
Location
34 Moreland St, Footscray, 3011, View Map
-37.8017678,144.9071231
34 Moreland St ,
Footscray 3011
34 Moreland St ,
Footscray 3011
Cities After Dark: Creative West Night-time Economy Summit