Ianto Ware’s Post

We're thrilled to see Sydney adopt a groundbreaking cultural strategy inspired by our Creative Land Trust model, designed to nurture and expand the city’s vibrant cultural life over the next decade. Spearheaded by Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO, this initiative focuses on establishing a Creative Land Trust to secure and develop affordable workspaces for Sydney’s artists, musicians, performers, and makers. By drawing on the successful examples set by our work in London and San Francisco’s Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST), Sydney’s new Trust will address the critical need for accessible creative spaces amidst rising rent and living costs. This effort is further bolstered by the World Cities Culture Forum’s Leadership Exchange Programme, supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, ensuring that global best practices are at the forefront of Sydney’s cultural development. During the announcement at Sydney Town Hall, cultural leaders like Justine Simons OBE emphasised the importance of affordable workspaces in sustaining a thriving creative economy. Our model in London, aims to own secure studios for perpetual use by artists and makers, and demonstrates the effectiveness of combining funding from donors, investors, and government bodies. This collaborative approach ensures the sustainability of creative workspaces and supports artists in their creative endeavors. We are excited to see Sydney join the ranks of global cities committed to fostering their creative sectors and look forward to the positive impact this will have on the city’s cultural landscape. https://lnkd.in/eJF4XvgU #CreativeLandTrust #AffordableArtSpaces #SydneyCulture #GlobalCollaboration #SustainableArt #CreativeEconomy #UrbanDevelopment

✍🏼Exploring #UrbanCultures in Brussels-Capital Region: Insights from COCOF - Commission communautaire française Feasibility Study 🔎After months of investigation, interviews, and field visits, I'm thrilled to share some key insights from the feasibility study for creating an Urban Culture Center in Brussels. Our research uncovered the rich tapestry of hip-hop, graffiti, street dances and other urban arts. All interviewed artists and professionals strongly support such a center. They emphasize the importance of not being marginalized as a "subculture" and advocate for infrastructure reflecting the true essence and importance of these continually evolving cultures. Urban cultures in Brussels, encompassing rap, breakdance, graffiti, and more, are deeply rooted in inclusivity and multiculturalism. Despite their popularity, they often face stereotyping, with clichés like violence and vandalism remaining ingrained in collective consciousness. The community thrives on the passion of dedicated individuals and grassroots organizations but faces challenges like financial insecurity and lack of institutional support. Based on extensive interviews, we present 7 key recommendations to enhance the professionalization and visibility of urban cultures: 1️⃣ Create a Dedicated Space for Urban Cultures: Establish a prestigious venue to combat stigma, provide resources, and foster skill development, training, and international connections. 2️⃣ Fund Sustainable Support Systems for Young Talents: Develop comprehensive mentoring and coaching programs to enhance artistic, technical, and professional skills. 3️⃣ Implement Adapted Training Programs: Offer innovative training approaches in collaboration with field actors to meet specific needs and encourage creative exploration. 4️⃣ Stabilize Existing Professionalization Spaces: Provide permanent locations for community-driven spaces to foster collaboration, experimentation, and peer learning. 5️⃣ Support the Creation of Professional Federations: Facilitate the formation of federations to improve resource access, legal support, and advocacy for urban cultures. 6️⃣ Establish International Connections for Research and Dissemination: Promote long-term academic collaborations and international exchanges to enhance the global impact of Brussels' urban cultures. 7️⃣ Develop a Cultural Industry: Encourage investment in urban music and other creative sectors by addressing funding gaps and implementing supportive fiscal policies. As Audrey Leboutte, artistic coordinator at Zinnema said, "Go big or go home!" Let’s transform Brussels into a vibrant #hub for urban cultures, fostering #diversity, #freestyles, #innovation, and #socialimpact! A fantastic team effort with passionate and dedicated professionals. 🙏🏼 all for your valuable contributions. This study is yours. Let's hope policymakers meet the expectations and challenges ahead! #UrbanCultures #Brussels #CulturalDiversity #CommunityEngagement 📸 melissa farah

⭐ New research digest: Culture and Placemaking ⭐ What role can arts and culture play in placemaking? What does this mean for organisations, practitioners, policymakers and funders? There is a wealth of research on everything from the impact of cultural mega-events to exploring questions around place and wellbeing, gentrification and regeneration. But where to start? Centre for Cultural Value

that is a cultural service that i ofert to cultural public administration . Since 1999 I have held exhibitions in urban environments, that is, on the street. My objective as a cultural creative is cultural dissemination, communicating, reaching the largest number of people possible. In 2016, during the European Cultural Capital of Donosti, I created conceptual urban environmental interventions with self-created panels. #GreenerTogether #GreeningCities #Resilence #GreenDesign

As Amsterdam begins celebrating its upcoming 750th anniversary in October 2025, launching a variety of events leading up to the milestone, we are reminded of the city's remarkable history. From the reclamation of land from the sea to create fertile ground, to the establishment of global spice trade routes that reshaped both European cuisine and world commerce, Amsterdam has long been an epicentre of innovation and cultural exchange. The elusive pigments in Rembrandt's paintings continue to be the subject of endless research, and two centuries ago, the construction of the North Sea Canal marked another remarkable achievement. But what truly defines the Amsterdam experience? Can it be captured via VR technologies at venues sprouting throughout the city like mushrooms? Is it bubbles and oysters? Sleek Dutch design of boutique hotels? Or, perhaps, it’s the souvenir shops selling peppernoten? What is genuine, and what has been skilfully crafted for the unsuspecting visitor? Behind these questions lies the real mystery of the city—how it manages to constantly evolve while preserving its authentic character. As the old taverns and artisanal stores are slowly dying out, we might consider a more personal, subjective lens through which to view Amsterdam—one that reveals how the city can serve as a mirror, reflecting not only the broader human experience but also pieces of our own selves, beyond the conditioning of our place of origin. With my novel Beyond The Mirror, I aim to engage readers who appreciate humour, metaphorical exploration, and fresh perspectives. By blending philosophical, anthropological, and spiritual insights, I hope to offer a journey where each walk through Amsterdam’s narrow alleys uncovers a new hidden truth—just as returning to the pages of a book reveals new layers of meaning with every read. #Amsterdam750#AmsterdamAnniversary#CulturalHeritage#BookLovers#CulturalExperience#ExploreAmsterdam#DutchHeritage#Books#BookClub#BooksToRead#ReadingCommunity#WritersOfLinkedIn#Fiction#WritingCommunity#NovelWriting#AmsterdamLife #HumorInWriting #Surrealism #UnlockingAnswers #LinkedInAuthors #LinkedInWriters#MuseumLife #ArtAndCulture#HospitalityLife

Creators District ++ [improving communities] Montmartre, a historic district in Paris, became a renowned hub for artists and creators during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The picturesque streets, cafes, and the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica created an enchanting atmosphere that inspired numerous artists, including Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. Montmartre serves as a compelling historical model for contemporary urban planning and policy aimed at attracting and retaining talent. By fostering an environment that prioritizes affordability, community, and cultural vibrancy, cities can create thriving ecosystems for creators that drive innovation and economic success. -- Cities looking to nurture creativity should consider providing affordable living and working spaces, especially in urban centers where costs can be prohibitive. -- Encouraging the formation of artist collectives and communities can lead to collaborative projects and innovations that enrich the cultural fabric of a city. Hosting local festivals, art walks, and creative markets can stimulate interest in the arts and attract both residents and tourists, boosting the local economy.

"...much of today's urban planning is about history and the future and too rarely about the present..."   Interviewed by The Beauty Council of Malmö about the city center of Malmö and my upcoming book #KeynoteConversations (That is available here: https://lnkd.in/gA6_q_SG )   Some translations into English bellow: In a city with world leading quality for children, why are the children in the city not coexisting stronger with adult spaces and life?   How could the canals of Malmö be used more intentionally?   A city center of a region could be seen as the area where we gather and unite in our differences. So why do we insist that that kind of gathering is only about commerce? In Malmö, parts of Rosengård, with its train station, library and connection to NGBG should perhaps be thought of as the city center axis, reaching all the way to the sea. So how could this entire city center axis not only connect to itself, but also be dependent on other parts of the city better? Fostering a sense of shared purpose and community cohesion, with other excluded areas such as the waterfront, the rural areas or the periphery.   When zooming out. Could our visions and strategies be more spatially precise? Where does things take place? Why do they take place there? Why is Malmö’s vision radically different from other successful cities? Why does it ONLY work in Malmö?

Better Cities ++ [improving communities] Enrique Peñalosa, the former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, is known for his influential urban philosophy focusing on sustainability, equity, well-designed public spaces, and a focus on human needs rather than vehicles, all aimed at fostering vibrant and inclusive urban environments. A great city, according to Peñalosa, should celebrate its unique cultural identity. He advocates for preserving historical sites, promoting local arts, and ensuring that the city's character is reflected in its architecture and public spaces. He argues that cities should be designed with the needs of people in mind rather than cars. This includes creating pedestrian-friendly environments, promoting mixed-use developments, and ensuring that buildings and infrastructure are accessible to everyone. According to Peñalosa, parks, plazas, and other public areas are vital for the social and cultural life of a city. He believes that well-designed public spaces encourage community interactions, enhance well-being, and contribute to a sense of belonging.

When people think of Paris, the first word that comes to mind is "romance". What then, when they think of Singapore? "Singapore has a good narrative – it’s all about working well, keeping safe and being a rules-based, green city. We can carry on as it is, and we’ve done marvellously. But to make us really loved, you have to have a bit of that magic," says Professor Chan Heng Chee, Ambassador-at-Large with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We resonate deeply with Professor Chan's insight because at HOL, we are always thinking about how we can enhance spaces with storytelling. Professor Chan describes this "magic" as the atmospheric essence that turns places into destinations or experiences. We believe that by weaving narratives into our urban fabric, our buildings and shared spaces become conduits of emotion, memory, and community, enriching the essence of our city. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and wonder, where every nook promises discovery. Beyond mere architecture, it envisions Singapore not just as a place to reside but as a magical home, inviting others to experience its enchantment firsthand. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dYAyrmiM

Reason 4/12 - West End or Barcelona About a decade ago I lived two years in Fitzrovia, right on the edge of Soho. Grooviest place on Earth! Of course, Mayfair is very nice (if you can afford it!) but it's not groovy, not like Soho. After Fitzrovia I accidentally had another eight months with a kind of mini pied-a-terre in Soho, right on Wardour Street. Also very groovy, perfect if it's your second home, but for a primary home, Soho itself is just a little too busy. Fitzrovia is perfection. Wake up on a Sunday morning, take the dog for a walk up Tottenham Court Road, over to Russel Square or even along Oxford Street and it's so peaceful. Thursday evening, that well known "new Friday", cross over Oxford Street into Soho and it is BUZZING! There's nothing like it. For two years I didn't have a car, hardly even took public transport. From Soho there's nothing you could possibly need that isn't in walking distance! No doubt some of you would disagree with me on this ... of course you're entitled to your own opinion ... even if you're wrong! Well maybe, but then again, I had three days in Barcelona a couple of years ago. Just three days. Staying in Plaza Real, right in the heart of the gothic quarter. Visited La Sagrada Familia ...wow! Three days, that's all. And arguably it's the grooviest place on earth. Well second to Fitzrovia/Soho borders West End, London, Earth. Whichever wins - the science fiction novel, Sagrada is set between London's West End and Barcelona. So if you, like me, recognise these as the grooviest places on Earth, then you might enjoy some of the ambience of the novel. And if you have an alternative "grooviest place on Earth", let me know. Maybe I can visit it and use it as a base for a future novel! https://lnkd.in/euD4vea7 (This is the fourth of twelve reasons you might like to read Sagrada.) #Sagrada #Mediocrats #novel #sciencefiction #fictionwriter