Base is a project, currently in the early stages of development, but I hope that it will be an ever-changing entity that caters to the needs of the current rave/nightlife scene. Ultimately, Base is an idea or concept that covers most aspects of party culture. I want to use this as a way to change how people engage with and in these shared spaces.
Who you are, what is Base and what does it do?
I want to use this as a way to change how people engage with and in these shared spaces. I want to implement these shifts through offering education, support, training, feedback and other tools to all the people that participate in these spaces.
I am currently collaborating with Mødular Club; they have been very supportive and eager to engage with me around this. I am super grateful for this collaboration because it has allowed me to use this to get clearer on how to run this initiative.
A Base program is going to look different for every venue or event because each space has its own needs. Base is a bridge between the experience of an attendee and the support they may end up needing, but the priority and long-term aim of Base is to teach people how to be accountable and take responsibility for themselves within these shared spaces.
What are the core values or principles that guide Base’s work?
Base’s ethos is heavily influenced by the theories of Carl Rogers, who was an American psychologist in the mid-20th century. He conceptualised the core conditions of counselling, which are empathy, congruence or transparency (genuineness) and unconditional positive regard. These conditions are essential for building trust and empathy in high-energy social spaces. Of course, this is all within the parameters of teaching people how to take responsibility for themselves and their impact on the space around them.
How did Base begin, and how did your journey with this kind of work begin?
I have been working towards creating a project like this for some time, volunteering overseas and locally in safety and awareness initiatives at festivals and parties. After seeing a rise in discourse around nightlife safety over the last few years (or maybe I’ve just become more aware of the discourse), I spoke to a friend who gave me the push to start and the confidence to just get it going. We had already had a conversation back in 2021 about how necessary this kind of initiative was at the time (and still is). I was too young to take that on. Now that I have studied counselling and am older with more life experience, I feel like it was a good time to start this.
Why do you believe this work is so important?
Party spaces are incubators for creativity, expression through dance and connection through a shared enthusiasm for music. I feel that these spaces are really important to preserve and improve because the current state of the world suggests that community and connection are really fucking important…
What is your/Base’s no. 1 goal - what are you working towards achieving?
We envision a party culture where safety, respect, and freedom of expression go hand in hand. A culture where nightlife is inclusive, non-predatory, and empowering for everyone—staff and partygoers alike.
How can people help you achieve this goal?
By engaging with the community around you and not just pitching up, consuming, taking up space and leaving, but rather, trying to find your own way of contributing something positive to the space before you leave.
What are some of the ways guests at events could contribute towards a safer environment for everyone?
By taking responsibility for themselves and how they are showing up in these shared spaces.
What are some of the ways event promoters and event spaces could contribute towards a safer environment for everyone?
Education is a great start. We all grew up struggling with the same systems; we are just affected by them differently. Therefore, having more awareness and understanding of issues is a simple yet highly effective way to implement change.
Can you describe some of the specific interventions or strategies Base uses during events?
Each situation is different, so the interventions essentially involve approaching the situation in a friendly and calm manner, being a supportive presence, and helping with the particular grievance/problem in the most appropriate way.
How do you train staff or volunteers to respond to safety incidents?
Currently, I have been working with Modular's staff in an ongoing capacity, so training has been evolving alongside that. I am in the process of designing a workshop/training program that I can offer to events, promoters, and venues.
How has the nightlife community responded to Base’s work so far?
I've had mostly really positive responses; it seems like a lot of people have needed an initiative like this and are excited about it. I really appreciate having people’s feedback. And there has also been some minor pushback, which can be useful too.
How do you collaborate with event promoters, venues, and security teams?
Each collaboration is unique, and together we organise a system that supports attendees based on their individual needs, making sure everyone is aware and present in their responsibility in protecting people's rights to safety, freedom and expression.
If event organisers wanted to get Base at their events, or get their staff trained by Base, how should they go about it?
Just reach out to us, and we’ll tailor support or training to your event’s specific needs.