The Three Bells

Summary:
In this episode, our host Criena Gehrke speaks with urbanist Ben Rogers about the differing factors influencing urban planning and policy today. In particular, they discuss how the pandemic and current political climate have affected cities, and highlighted the importance of long-term urban strategy as well the need to reclaim and democratise public spaces. 

Thereafter, Criena is joined by fellow host Stephanie Furtunato to discuss key takeaways. They reflect upon how this is an opportune moment to reimagine the possibilities for cities to become more community-centric.

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External references mentioned in this episode:

1. The New Politics of Public Space
2. Platform Papers 44: Cultural Precincts
3. Richard Florida and Superstar Cities 
4. The London Plan

Bio:

Ben Rogers is an urbanist, researcher, writer and speaker, with a particular interest in urban life, citizenship, public service reform and the built environment.

He founded the Centre for London in 2011 and was an Associate Director of Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) for five years and subsequently led strategy teams at Haringey Council, the Department for Local Government and Communities and the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, where he wrote the government’s strategy on ‘Quality of Place’.

He is currently Professor of Practice at University of London and a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he will lead a new strand of research on European Cities, building on his interests in civic engagement, public space and urban democracy. 

Ep 1: Leading with empathy and kindness – Claire Spencer in conversation with Adrian Ellis

In this inaugural episode of The Three Bells, recorded on March 10, 2021 – our host Adrian Ellis (Founder and Chair of the Global Cultural Districts Network), speaks with Claire Spencer, CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne.

They cover a lot of ground: Claire's route to her current position, the remarkable project she conceived - The Arts Wellbeing Collective which she founded in 2016, but which is also perfectly designed for the present moment, the formidable precinct development currently in planning for which the Victoria government has committed a AU$1.5b  for the first phase, the broadening mission of cultural organizations post-COVID, and the responsibilities of anchor institutions for their wider communities.

Afterwards, Adrian is joined by fellow podcast host Criena Gehrke, (CEO, HOTA, Home of the Arts) for the second part of the episode: the Key Takeaways segment.

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The Three Bells podcast is produced by AEA Consulting and the Binnacle Foundation, for the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN). More information and supporting material can be found at https://thethreebells.net 

Ep 0 (pilot): Introducing The Three Bells – Adrian Ellis in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

In this bonus pilot episode of The Three Bells, our host Stephanie Fortunato (Director of the Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, City of Providence), speaks with Adrian Ellis, Founder and Chair of the Global Cultural Districts Network.

They cover a lot of ground: Adrian's recent move to Italy, his take on the future of international travel and what it means for cities and cultural institutions which rely heavily on tourism, the origins of The Three Bells, the goal of the podcast for GCDN and much more. 

Afterwards, Stephanie is joined by fellow podcast host Criena Gehrke, (CEO, HOTA, Home of the Arts) for the second part of the episode: the Key Takeaways segment.

DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT

The Three Bells podcast is produced by AEA Consulting and the Binnacle Foundation, for the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN). More information and supporting material can be found at https://thethreebells.net