Creative Placemaking in Public Spaces

WHEN: May 8, 2014, 12:00 – 14:00
WHERE: Poland, Katowice, Hotel Angelo

The panel debate will look at art and cultural activities as tools to economically and socially revive localities, cities and regions. If taken seriously, the cooperation among arts organizations, urban activists, local governments and business plays a central role in shaping communities’ economic, physical, and social futures. It can help upcycle vacant and derelict buildings and infrastructure, attract non-arts-related commercial activity (construction, entertainment, tourism etc.) as well as mitigate social problems. Successful projects start with an entrepreneurial idea, reflect the character of the site and engage community, both local government and citizenry. Therefore, they require the involvement of all professional sectors.

Invited guests will discuss models and examples of best practice in creative placemaking in the Central European context. They will highlight challenges and obstacles that creative placemaking projects encounter, and will focus on the economic and social profits they generate.

Panel speakers:

David Kašpar, art manager, Praha 14 kulturní, p.o., Czech Republic
Tomasz Konior, architect, Konior Studio, Poland
Igor Marko, founder and creative director, Marko&Placemakers, London
Peter Ramsden, managing director, Freiss ltd; URBACT Thematic Pole Manager

Chair:  Grzegorz Piątek, Chairman, Fundacja Centrum Architektury, Poland

The panel is organized within the European Economic Congress 2014 in Katowice, Poland.