Placemaking can drive transformative change and create better cities
| | | | Let’s Talk About Placemaking: Scaling Impact, Building Community Thursday, March 6 | 12 p.m. ET | Live Zoom Webinar | | | | | | Ensuring vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures through public spaces. Placemaking is transforming cities—fostering social connection, economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and environmental resilience. But as cities evolve, how can we amplify these positive outcomes and ensure placemaking best practices are at the forefront of infrastructure and planning decisions? Join us for CityTalk Live as we dive into "Let’s Talk About Placemaking," our latest publication in collaboration with Canada’s Placemaking Community. We’ll explore powerful case studies, innovative policies, and why now is the time to bring placemaking to the center of city-building conversations across Canada, the U.S., and beyond | | |
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| | Cultural Strategist & Creative Producer Bridget is an award-winning Cultural Strategist who has led municipal and arts sectors, managing cultural policy, grants, public art, placemaking, and festivals like Nuit Blanche, the Toronto Fringe Festival, and JUNO Award Host City festivities. She developed Hamilton’s Events Office, leading civic events during its creative renaissance. A respected arts leader, planner, and consultant, she specializes in designing programs that build resilient cities, communities, and cultural organizations. Bridget engages, facilitates, and collaborates to drive innovation in the arts and public service sectors. She is a Toronto Arts Council Cultural Leadership Fellow, Next City Vanguard Fellow, and IETM Global Connector. |
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| | Executive Director | PlacemakingX Ethan supports public space organizations, projects, and leaders worldwide to advance the global placemaking movement. He has traveled to over 1,000 cities across 60 countries, promoting inclusive public spaces as a driver of urban development. In 2019, he co-founded PlacemakingX to connect, amplify, and accelerate placemaking leadership globally. Ethan has helped launch and expand 30+ regional placemaking networks worldwide while also supporting PlacemakingUS and The Social Life Project. With over 20 years at Project for Public Spaces, he has played a key role in shaping placemaking as a transformative approach to economic development, environmentalism, transportation, governance, resilience, social equity, and more. A sought-after speaker, Ethan has keynoted 100+ top urbanism conferences and helped organize many of the most influential placemaking events. |
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| | Placemaking Specialist | Canadian Urban Institute Jacquelyn is a creative placemaking professional with extensive experience in fostering growth in the cultural industries. She drives new opportunities for Canada’s creative economy and develops destination strategies for cultural hubs and community spaces. Jacquelyn is the editor of "Let's Talk About Placemaking" and a recognized writer and speaker on the impact of cultural districts and creative industries as powerful engines of urban and economic growth. |
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| | Co-Director | Placemaking US Based in Santa Ana, CA, Madeleine is a dedicated leader in community development, placemaking, and the celebration of art and cultural vibrancy. She is the Co-Director of Placemaking US, a pioneering network that transforms public spaces and fosters inclusive, thriving communities. At the height of the pandemic, in response to “purple-lining,” Madeleine spearheaded The United Streets of America, a community design accelerator that reimagined how streets function. The initiative promoted innovative policies and worked with community groups and small businesses to help plan their outdoor spaces. Under her co-leadership, Placemaking US has become a hub for creativity, collaboration, and inspiration, setting new standards for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the U.S. placemaking movement. |
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| | Co-Director | Placemaking US Ryan Smolar is the Co-Director of Placemaking US, an organization dedicated to connecting and building capacity for placemaking across the country. As a global placemaking expert, Ryan leads projects worldwide that transform public spaces into active community hubs. He works at the intersection of urban planning, cultural insights, and community engagement to create spaces that bring people together. Ryan is especially passionate about food placemaking, using markets and gardens as social places to strengthen community connections. His work empowers local leaders to create inclusive, vibrant public spaces that enhance quality of life and foster economic resilience. |
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| Can't make it? Watch the recording! | | For those of you who won't be able to make it live, make sure to watch the recording on our CityTalk website! Recordings are posted within a week of the event. | | | |
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| | | Copyright © 2024 Canadian Urban Institute |
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