The Party Pro Toolkit was developed as an applied research project that culminated in a 9-episode podcast series featuring interviews with Party Professionals in New York, Detroit and Phoenix. The purpose of the interviews was to gain individual perspectives on the “what, why and how of party culture.”

The professionals interviewed work in art, music, production, promotion, advocacy and venue management. Highlight interviews include Ariel Palitz, Executive Director of Nightlife and Entertainment for the City of New York; John Dunivant, founder of Theatre Bizarre in Detroit; and Kirk Strawn, founder of the Walter Project in Phoenix.

Podcast interviews were paired with ethnographic study through participation in relevant events, gaining firsthand experience and original content from each city. Innovative projects and approaches are discussed in the podcasts and shared as representations of community-led party culture, identifying patterns and challenges with the intent to share solutions. Every city has a unique identity, history and creative culture, allowing for unique problem solving and innovation to take place related to community events and nightlife experiences.

Research Questions:

• How can we create more positive social impacts through party culture?

• How can we develop safer, more inclusive and sustainable events?

Research Goals:

• Collect original photos and videos to document event experiences

• Interview key party professionals in each target city

• Compare the lessons, identity, scenes and communities in the target cities

Positive social impacts identified for participants of community-led party culture include:

• Creative collaboration

• Inclusion of all art forms and disciplines

• Connecting people with diverse backgrounds and identities

• Developing and executing a project plan

• Socializing and networking

• Community-based project development

• Skill sharing and mentorship

• Problem-solving and conflict navigation

• Creative self expression

• Consent and boundary communication