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 regeneration
• How Futurecity turns cultural strategy into action
• The stories behind transformative mean while projects like Seed 130 Gallery in the City of London
• Why 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 creatives
  
  

Whether 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.rr

To 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: @talkingplacepodcast

To learn more about Concept Culture – visit here:
 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-uk
Website: www.conceptculture.co
Twitter: @_conceptculture
Instagram: @_conceptculture

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