014 - Culture as A Catalyst: The Role of Cultural Placemaking in Urban Development with George Kekatos from Futurecity

In this episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin is joined by George Kekatos, Cultural Director at Futurecity, to explore the role of culture in shaping cities, from policy to placemaking.Together, they unpack how cultural strategy can transform the built environment, unlock value and creativity in urban development, and build bridges between artists and developers.From George’s roots in Athens to his work in London and beyond, this conversation is a powerful reminder that culture isn’t just an add-on - it’s foundational to meaningful place creation.🎨 Discover:Why “culture isn’t decoration—it’s the heartbeat of a place”The power of culture to drive sustainability, social value, and regenerationHow Futurecity turns cultural strategy into actionThe stories behind transformative mean while projects like Seed 130 Gallery in the City of LondonWhy developers and artists need each other (and how to bridge the gap between them)George’s call for cities to value artists as economic drivers, not just creativesWhether you’re an urban planner, artist, developer, or culture-lover, this episode will change how you see art and culture in the places and cities around you.📍 Join us as we ‘talk place’.🔗 Links & Mentions:Learn more about Futurecity: Website: https://www.futurecity.co.uk Instagram: @futurecity_london Seed 130: https://www.seed130.co.uk George Kekatos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-kekatos-7a21a5159/To learn more about Tanisha – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanishaa Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @tanisha.rr Instagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcast Website: https://www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcast Instagram: @talkingplacepodcast X (Twitter): @tppodcast_ Bluesky: @talkingplace TikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture – visit here: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-uk Website: www.conceptculture.co Twitter: @_conceptculture Instagram: @_conceptcultureSupport the showTo learn more about host Tanisha Raffiuddin:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanisharaffiuddin/Website: www.conceptculture.coInstagram: @tanisha.rrTo learn more about Talking Place:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/talking-place-podcastWebsite: www.conceptculture.co/talking-place-podcastInstagram: @talkingplacepodcastBluesky: @talkingplaceTikTok: @talkingplacepodcastTo learn more about Concept Culture:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-ukWebsite: www.conceptculture.coSign Up to Our Newsletter — mailchi.mp/conceptculture/newslettersignup