Meet the people
behind the initiative

Simone

d’Antonio

Simone d’Antonio is an expert in sustainable urban development and night-time economy. As Lead Expert of the URBACT network Cities After Dark, he coordinates knowledge exchange among 10 European cities to develop participatory night policies. He has supported numerous EU urban innovation projects under initiatives such as URBACT, Urban Innovative Actions, European Urban Initiative, while globally collaborates with UN-Habitat, UNOPS, and Global Covenant of Mayors.

Nuno

Gouveia

Nuno Gouveia is the CEO and Board Member of Faz Cultura, the municipal company for Culture of the city of Braga. Before was advisor to the Mayor of Braga and Project Manager of Cities After Dark. He previously served as Political Advisor to the Minister for Regional Development and to the Minister of Internal Affairs in the 19th and 20th Portuguese Governments. He holds degrees in Organizational Sociology and Communication, and a Master’s in Communication Sciences focused on digital political communication. He regularly contributes to the media on U.S. politics.

Dr. Anna-Marazuela Kim

Dr. Anna-Marazuela Kim is Chair of a new global Nighttime Foundation, where she champions nightlife as culture and a catalyst for bold, connected, and inclusive urban life. A cultural thinker and civic visionary, Dr Kim brings expertise as an activist, advocate, and international advisor for culture in cities, working across academia, architecture, and non-profits to foster civic agency and urban thriving.

Kae

Burke

Is a nightlife culture creator and co-founder of House of Yes nightclub in New York City. She is passionate about fostering night culture communities and creating experiences that are arts-forward, inclusive and have a positive impact.

Georgia

McDonnell Adams

Georgia is a culture-obsessed strategist who’s spent over two decades turning brand vision into unforgettable experiences.

Mirik

Milan

Mirik Milan is a leading nightlife consultant and former Night Mayor of Amsterdam (2012–2018). Author of Governing the Night-time City, he pioneered a new model of urban night governance. Under his leadership, Amsterdam became a global example of vibrant, safe, and economically thriving nightlife, inspiring similar roles in cities like New York, Paris, and London.

Lutz

Leichsenring

Lutz Leichsenring is a prominent figure in the global nightlife scene, widely known for his advocacy work towards promoting a thriving and sustainable nightlife culture. He served for 15 years as spokesperson and executive board member of Clubcommission Berlin, an organization that represents over 350 clubs, promoters and cultural institutions in the German capital. As the co-founder of VibeLab, Lutz seeks to develop innovative solutions for the challenges facing the nighttime economy.

Joana

Miranda

Joana is an expert in culture-led sustainable urban development. She coordinates the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Media Arts Sub-network (27 cities) and leads programs integrating art, technology, and innovation into urban policy. In 2024, she organized the UCCN meeting in Braga with 700 delegates from 89 countries, producing the Braga Manifesto on culture in post-2030 development goals. She participates in EU projects on urban resilience, AI, and inclusive futures, positioning culture as essential infrastructure for thriving, sustainable cities.