Maxim Deschepper
Ghent
Summary
Dedicated social work professional with a solid background in community care, cultural programming, and inclusive nightlife. Proven track record in organizing safe(r) space and awareness initiatives within festivals, clubs, and grassroots organizations. Expertise in implementing harm reduction, accessibility, and cultural sensitivity principles into actionable strategies and frontline support. Known for fostering a collaborative, values-based approach to team management, policy creation, and audience interaction. Committed to cultivating environments that prioritize safety, visibility, and empowerment for all individuals.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Night Manager
Modified Spaces BV
04.2025 - Current
- Managed nightly operations at Chinastraat, ensuring smooth event flow and a safe, welcoming atmosphere. Acted as the primary communication liaison with event organizers collaborated closely with security, sfeerbeheer, and event staff to uphold venue standards and address challenges proactively. Responsible for crowd management, incident response, and maintaining effective communication between teams to support a positive nightlife experience that fosters respect, safety, and enjoyment for everyone.
Member
Ghent Nightlife Council
01.2025 - Current
- Contribute to policy development and community dialogue around safety, inclusion, and care within Ghent’s nightlife scene. Collaborate with city officials, venue representatives, and grassroots actors to improve safer space practices across clubs and events.
Member
Fundravers VZW
11.2024 - Current
- Active member of an activist collective that combines electronic music with political and social engagement. Co-developed and coordinated the collective’s safe(r) space policy, embedding principles of care, consent, and accessibility into all events. Helped organize benefit events and campaigns supporting both grassroots movements and impactful personal or local initiatives. Contributed to event production, communication, and community outreach, with a strong focus on harm reduction and impactful rave culture.
Co-founder & Co-director
WOLKVOLK VZW
11.2023 - Current
- Co-established and co-led a grassroots collective focused on accessible, community-driven nightlife. Responsible for vision development, event curation, organizational strategy, and external partnerships. Oversaw team coordination, budgeting, communication, and advocacy work centered on accessibility and safe(r) spaces in club culture. Helped grow WOLKVOLK into a community and recognized platform supporting emerging artists.
Safe(r) Spaces & Awareness Coordination
MODUL'AIR BV
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Co-developed and implemented the festival’s first safe(r) space policy and launched the on-site Awareness Crew initiative. Oversaw the rollout and coordination of both efforts during the event (15,000+ attendees), ensuring a safe, accessible, and caring environment for all visitors. Worked closely with the production team, volunteers, and external partners to embed harm reduction, consent culture, and community care into the festival experience.
Intern (Social-Cultural & Policy Work)
OCUP VZW
10.2023 - 12.2024
- Supported community engagement through organizing and facilitating cultural and social activities within the Radar Buurtplek initiative in the Rabot neighborhood. Assisted in connecting local residents and stakeholders, promoting social inclusion, neighborhood participation, and accessibility. Contributed to policy-related research and advocacy aimed at bridging grassroots cultural work with social policy to enhance social cohesion. Gained practical experience in addressing community needs by integrating cultural initiatives with policy development in an urban context.
Sfeerbeheer
Future Media BV
05.2022 - 03.2023
- Helped create a safe(r), inclusive, and supportive environment at one of Ghent’s key alternative nightlife spaces. Served as a visible and approachable presence on the dance floor, offering emotional support, de-escalating tensions, and addressing boundary-crossing behavior. Worked closely with organizers and security to uphold Chinastreet’s values of community care, cultural sensitivity, and harm reduction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
HOGENT University of Applied Sciences And Arts
Ghent, Belgium08-2025
High School Diploma -
Petrus & Paulus Centrum Sint-Jozefinstituut
Ostend, Belgium06-2018
Skills
- Development and implementation of safer space and awareness policies
- Coordination of care and awareness teams during events
- Conflict de-escalation and boundary-setting
- Community engagement and audience care
- Culturally sensitive and inclusive practice
- Cross-team collaboration (production, security, artistic direction)
- Clear communication and mediation with stakeholders
- Policy writing (safety, inclusion, harm reduction)
- Crisis preparedness and emotional support strategies
- Values-driven and equity-based leadership
Additional Information
Farah Lieten (MODUL'AIR BV):
Farah@modul-air.com
+32 495 12 68 79
Cedric Daelman (Modified Spaces BV):
Cedric@modul-air.com
+32 476 01 50 07
Floris Vandamme (Modified Spaces BV):
Floris@chinastraat.be
+32 498 02 81 27
Biniam Faelens (OCUP VZW):
Biniam@ocup.be
+32 456 55 64 99
Languages
Dutch
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
French
Intermediate (B1)
German
Elementary (A2)
Timeline
Night Manager
Modified Spaces BV
04.2025 - Current
Safe(r) Spaces & Awareness Coordination
MODUL'AIR BV
03.2025 - 04.2025
Member
Ghent Nightlife Council
01.2025 - Current
Member
Fundravers VZW
11.2024 - Current
Co-founder & Co-director
WOLKVOLK VZW
11.2023 - Current
Intern (Social-Cultural & Policy Work)
OCUP VZW
10.2023 - 12.2024
Sfeerbeheer
Future Media BV
05.2022 - 03.2023
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
HOGENT University of Applied Sciences And Arts
High School Diploma -
Petrus & Paulus Centrum Sint-Jozefinstituut
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