Taking Place is a conference for those working in the field of architecture, urban development and cultural districts.
The Covid Pandemic, combined with the increased appetite for online retail stores, led to shutters going down on shopfronts in high streets across the UK and vibrant places lost their footfall. The conference will share imaginative examples from across the world of how these neglected places are being reinvented to engage people, improve wellbeing and strengthen local communities and businesses.
Taking Place will also explore how new technologies are being used to motivate more offline interactions.
Register for the free livestream for an exciting line up of international speakers, including Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries in London.
> Click here to register now
Conference Agenda
10:00 Welcome from Skinder Hundal, Director of Arts British Council
10:10 Introduction from the Department of Business and Trade
10:30 Keynote
11:00 Regenerating space for a post pandemic world
In a post-COVID world increasingly tilting toward isolation and digital transactions, this panel looks at how public spaces are being transformed to re-engage communities. Speakers include Emma Beverley, Director Programmes Leeds 2023 and Seham Shahin, Senior Project Coordinator from Cairo based Cimatheque.
12:00 Female Voices in Urban Design
A conversation addressing critical questions around women's experiences of civic design. By spotlighting diverse voices of women impacting urban environments, we'll explore opportunities and blueprints for more inclusive space.
13:00 Lunch break
14:00 Speech by Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries in London
14:30 Break
15:30 Turning spaces into places
An international panel of placemaking experts from the UK, USA and Hong Kong discuss the transformative power of culture and creativity.
16:30 Plenary
17.00 Livestream ends.