In this episode, our host, Adrian Ellis, speaks with Marcus Desando, Director of the Prince Claus Fund. They discuss the role of arts and culture in today’s global socio-economic landscape, the importance of trust and mentorship for the sector, and how the Prince Claus Fund’s distinctive approach uplifts creative individuals committed to making meaningful changes in challenging contexts.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP). David expands on the work of DDP in developing public spaces that place the wishes and needs of Detroiters at the forefront. The two go on to discuss the numerous attributes that create a successful vibrant public space; from programming to financial models to public safety, DDP considers it all.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Hilary Knight, Senior Consultant at AEA Consulting. The two focus on all things digital within the cultural sector; from engaging online and in-person audiences to the importance of developing digital strategies, Hilary shares her extensive knowledge on this crucial and fast-evolving field.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Paul Farber, Director and Co-Founder of Monument Lab. They discuss the origins of Monument Lab and the value of boundaries for healthy collaboration. The two also discuss Monument Lab’s Pulling Together – a summer 2023 public art exhibition bringing forward new perspectives on Washington D.C.’s National Mall.

In this episode of The Three Bells, our host, Criena Gehrke sits down with Senior Architect Naseema Asif and Studio Director Peter Emerson, from international design collective RIOS. The two share their insights on what goes into making a project successful, from incorporating evolution to exploring unanticipated angles and embracing a touch of 'messiness' throughout the process.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato talks to Helen Kearney and Kat Pegler, authors of the recently released report: Sustainable Development in Cultural Districts – commissioned by The City of London Corporation with the support of GCDN.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Botswana-based curator, DJ, and arts journalist Basadi Dibeela. Basadi shares her cultural journey that spanned various disciplines, in various countries and continents. The two then talk about Basadi’s recently published article for GCDN, Opportunities for Cultural Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from attending the GCDN 2022 Convening.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato talks with Matthew Che Kowal and Molly North, founders of Majestic Collaborations – a company that takes an experiential learning approach to community preparedness, specifically using music, art, and cultural festivals as an immersive classroom. The three discuss Majestic Collaborations’ Four Pillars model for successful events: Safety, Sustainability, Accessibility, and Community Engagement.

In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke talks with Elly Andriopoulou, Managing Director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). The two discuss the origins and evolution of SNFCC – as well as its early successes, stemming from a strong vision of enacting social impact and the ambition to be a cultural center for all. Criena wraps up the episode with her thoughts on Australia’s recently released National Cultural Policy.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Vincent Chang, Deputy Chairman and Partner at Grimshaw Architects. Together, they explore the distinctive contribution of architecture. Having been with Grimshaw for over 20 years, Vincent also talks about his role managing the practice, and how vital it is for all to share a strong commitment to process – emphasizing the importance of understanding projects more holistically.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Simon Cane, Director of Cultural Engagement at UCL, and Chair of the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter. They talk about the ingredients and deep understanding of context required to shape cultural and educational powerhouses that promote inclusive growth, diversification within the sector, and community engagement.

In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke speaks with Ramon Marrades, urban economist and Director at Placemaking Europe. The two explore creative bureaucracy, how to create a strong public policy, if strategies should shift post-covid, Placemaking Week Europe 2022 in Pontevedra (27-30 Sept), and much more.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Jesper Koefoed-Melson, Founding Director of Kulturdistriktet, about activating unique spaces in Copenhagen with cultural events and festivals – fostering a vibrant community and enriching the city’s cultural landscape.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Rosie Dow, Manager of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health at UCL. They talk about Rosie’s new role at UCL, her previous work leading “HARP”, the health benefits of singing, as well as the essential role of networks in the field of arts and health.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Ilana Altman, Co-Executive Director, about The Bentway’s artful and playful approach to activating public spaces – as illustrated by their 2021 Playing in Public season and accompanying Play Provocations resource that encourages cities to become more play-friendly. After, Stephanie is joined by fellow host Criena Gehrke to discuss key takeaways.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Linda C. Harrison, Director & CEO, about her bold leadership agenda to transform the Newark Museum of Art into a relational organisation that not merely sits in, but belongs to its community. After, Adrian is joined by fellow host Stephanie Fortunato to discuss key takeaways.

In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke speaks with Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive of the Powerhouse Museum in Australia. They unpack the visionary approach she has crafted over her career of shaping cultural institutions and precincts into culturally and commercially vibrant hubs. After, Criena is joined by fellow host Adrian Ellis to discuss key takeaways.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Vilma Jurkute, Executive Director of Alserkal in Dubai. They discuss how Alserkal’s commitment to facilitating open dialogue, mapping geographies of practice, and building a repository of knowledge for future generations have catalysed the development of a cultural ecosystem that goes beyond physical infrastructure. After, Adrian is joined by Stephanie Fortunato to discuss key takeaways.

In this episode, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Lily Cabatu Weiss, Executive Director of the Dallas Arts District. They talk about the importance of collaboration amongst cultural leaders and institutions, especially in times of crisis, in enabling resource-sharing, knowledge transfer, synergy, and increased support from all stakeholders – as illustrated by the We Are Dallas Arts initiative. After, Stephanie is joined by Criena Gehrke to discuss key takeaways.

In this episode, our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Kingsley Jayasekera, former Director of Marketing and Customer Experience, at the West Kowloon Cultural District. They reflect on his near decade-long experience in Hong Kong and discuss the importance of cultivating arts audiences through creating holistic customer experiences – and using social media for outreach and engagement. After, Adrian is joined by Criena Gehrke to discuss key takeaways.