Since 2011 Chris Garrit has been the first elected Night Mayor (Dutch: Nachtburgermeester) of the city of Groningen, the Netherlands. In 2013 he was re-elected. With this position, he became the voice of the for city its nightlife, culture, festivals and other evening activities. In Groningen the night mayor is responsible for maintaining the intricate balance between the city’s citizens who wish to get a sleep in the later hours and those who are in favor of a bustling nightlife. Considering that Groningen is known for a thriving (and often loud) music scene, the Nachtburgermeester needs to maintain a strong relationship with the city’s music venues, their owners, and the musicians who often turn their guitar amps up to eleven.

Chris’ history with music starts young. He began as a teenager playing in bands and later as an professional musician touring throughout Europe. The last 15 years he has worked as a event manager (at EMG Faktors) where he has produced music festivals (Kadepop, Gideon Music Festival).

Chris Garrit is founder of the Creative Council North-Netherlands, the CCNN. Chris Garrit speaks around Europe about night-life and how to improve evening economics in a city full of festivals and music conventions.

He also started the Netherland’s INAF (International Night Ambassador Federation) with a growing network of "night ambassadors” in cities throughout Europe. The goal of the INAF is to get more cities connected and help cities to elect their own Night Mayors. It is a network which gives information, exchanges ideas and supports the local evening economics. Also the INAF helps city councils worldwide to advise about how to get a night-mayor/ ambassador into the city system.

Since 2012 Mirik Milan is the Night Mayor of Amsterdam. The Night Mayor is an independent non for profit foundation dedicated to ensure a dynamic night life and helps to build bridges between the municipality, (small) business owners and residents. By creating a mutual understanding, the Night Mayor changes the game. As the Night Mayor Mirik is a spokesman for all things concerning night life in the Dutch capital. On a regular basis he speaks to the Mayor of Amsterdam and policy makers on topics concerning the cities music and night culture. Amsterdam is a city of innovation. The introduction of 24-hour permits in the Hotel and Catering Industry in 2013 marked a major change. The Night Mayor was actively involved in introducing these licenses. It was a significant moment for the city of Amsterdam.

Mirik Milan is based in Amsterdam, in the midst of a network full of creative people and companies. Spotting trends and new developments is one of his key talents. He loves to bring together different relevant elements of today’s culture into a suitable and contemporary concepts for party's, cultural events or fashion shows.

Together with DJ Joost van Bellen Mirik is running the Rauw club night since 2003. Rauw introduced artists like Erol Alkan, Boys Noize, Justice, Busy P, Crookers, Brodinski and Gesaffelstein to the Dutch dance scene.

Mirik Milan
+31 6 290 25 638