Who are you as an organization and what do you do?
Yardbird, founded in 2012, organizes various events such as club nights and festivals at different locations in the city. Known for its soulful and eclectic music, Yardbird is one of the longest-running club concepts in the Netherlands. With a wide range of collaborations and a growing role in the city, Yardbird aims for both cultural enrichment and expansion
If the organization were a story, what chapter would be written at this moment?
“Here and Forever”
If your organization had a theme song, what would it be?
“Devastated” by Joey Badass
What is the core mission of the organization?
Our core mission is to be a connecting platform and bring people together. We aim for accessibility in the broadest sense of the word, without compromising on quality and content. Our goal is to provide an inclusive and carefree experience where everyone feels welcome and valued.
What values form the basis of your work?
We highly value accessibility, quality, connection, and enrichment. Our aim is to strike a balance between accessibility and content, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, we believe in providing quality without compromising on our values.
What is your vision in a few sentences?
Our vision is to be a platform that showcases the best of the city across all musical genres. We strive for connection and diversity, hoping to make a positive contribution to the development of the creative scene in Rotterdam. Our goal is to offer people a carefree and valued experience while maintaining the quality and content of our events.
How do you measure the success of your initiatives?
We measure the success of our initiatives by factors such as the number of attendees, but we also value the quality of the experience we provide. For us, a successful edition is more than just large numbers; it’s also about the atmosphere and satisfaction of our guests.
What is one of the results you are most proud of so far?
We are proud of the fact that we have been in existence for thirteen years and have still built a diverse and loyal fan base. We have managed to appeal to multiple generations and have played an important role in the development of the creative scene in Rotterdam.
What was your motivation for participating in Network Festival?
Our motivation to participate in the Network Festival stems from our vision of collaboration and connection. We believe in the power of collaboration and wanted to contribute to a festival that showcases the best of the city and provides a platform for young talent.
How do you envision Network Festival?
In our ideal scenario, the festival is a celebration of the diversity and creativity of Rotterdam. We hope it plays a connecting role and gives young talents the chance to shine. The festival should be a place where everyone feels welcome, with good music and a good atmosphere at its core.
What can we expect from you at Network Festival?
At the Network Festival, you can expect a diverse lineup with artists who guarantee quality and a good atmosphere. We have strategically chosen DJs who align with the festival’s vision and who ensure a balance between accessibility and enrichment.
Final message for the people?
Our final message would be: “Stay true to yourself and keep doing what you do. Even in moments of pressure, keep dancing and stay true to yourself.” We believe in the importance of authenticity and sticking to our values, even in challenging times. “Never change a winning team.”
