No More Hotels, Thinkhouse and Algorithm have joined forces for ‘Clubbing is Culture’ a mini documentary o the importance of the intersection between music, politics and social progress

The mini doc features the voices of five prominent cultural commentators and creators including Dublin Lord Mayor Hazel Chu, This Is Pop Baby’s Philly McMahon, Gxrl Code founder Mona Lxsa, Journalist and activist Una Mullally and designer John Mangru.

The film was directed and edited Matt Mantalvanos and David Balfe (For Thise I Love) and focuses on the value of clubbing to the economy and the soul and laments the rise of Dublin as a city of hotels rather than a city for the people.

“Myself and Andrea Horan started No More Hotels in a different time. When we were witnessing the eradication of spaces dedicated to dance.  We wanted to encourage people to see clubbing for what it was – culture – and something you have to work hard to nurture and protect.  As with all culture, if it’s not nourished and given the space to grow, it will die. And whilst it may not be your culture, that does not invalidate the fact that clubbing is indeed, culture.” says No More Hotels co-founder Dave Byrne.

“Now, in a pandemic, the clubbing is culture message is as important, if not more.  As our economy is battered and industries are crying out for support, if we can’t even consider the culture we love to be culture, how can we expect those who are not part of it to consider it worthy of supporting and saving. To be culture.”

Kev Freeney from Algorithm adds “Algorithm started its journey in multiple clubs and venues across Dublin. At one point we had residencies in three clubs at the same time. We got to work alongside some of the most talented DJs and Musicians both locally and globally and our team has personally become friends and colleagues with promoters, sound engineers, venue owners and producers etc. The core skills we learned and developed in these clubs have evolved into everything we do. Without clubs there wouldn’t be the Algorithm you know today.”

Clubbing is Culture will leave you with a pang in your heart for the joy of losing yourself on the dancefloor.