Refuge Worldwide host RA Unlocked: Promoters 2025

Refuge Worldwide and Resident Advisor launch ‘Unlocked: Promoters’—an introduction to club promotion that will upskill a new generation of promoters in Berlin. 

Unlocked is a free event (via application) at our Niemetzstraße venue in Neukölln, Berlin, on Wednesday, February 12th.

The event will equip participants with a foundation of knowledge spanning all aspects of running a club night. Leading Berlin promoters and industry experts will share their knowledge and give insights to demystify the world of promoting. Attendees will hear directly from a range of leading experts working in the sector, including Juba (ọ́kụ́), Caitlin (Body Language), Maryisonacid (African Acid Is The Future), Nadja Bozic (Ekipa), Meg10 (Hoe_mies), Aziz Sarr (Freak De L'Afrique/MAAYA), Lilia van Beukering (RSO), Felton Cortijo (RSO), Killa Schuetze (RICE), and Aimé from SWEAT.

The day will consist of a series of sessions covering key promotion subjects such as developing concepts and community, bookings and budgets, marketing and sales, as well as event operations and creating safer spaces. Attendees should leave the day with a rounded overview of the key aspects of promoting their own events, and Resident Advisor will be on hand to assist those looking to develop further and launch their own club nights. 

Unlocked is a step towards tackling the lack of diversity in the music industry, with a focus on demystifying the industry and the roles within it. 

Social class was found above all else to influence young people’s chances of earning money through music. Those from lower income backgrounds were significantly less likely to be earning money through music than those from higher income backgrounds. This disparity held even if they had both studied music at school, college or university.

Youth Music Report, 2024

The event is open to anyone with a keen interest in producing events, and no prior experience is required. Priority will be given to applications from FLINTA, POC, LGBTQI+ communities, and people with visible and non-visible disabilities and/or from lower-income households. Lunch will be provided, and travel bursaries are available upon request. 

Places are limited, so please apply here. The deadline for applications is the end of Sunday 26th January, and all applicants will be contacted on Wednesday 29th January.

Those with specific access needs relating to the application process or the project itself can email Andy at al@ra.co. More info can also be found on our access page.