Futurecity

We are pleased to announce our new Futurecity Senior Associate, Rose Lejeune, who has joined a growing art, strategy and placemaking team focused on an exciting portfolio of international work, particularly in the Middle East. 📣 ✨   Rose is an independent curator with a recognised expertise in working with artists whose practices incorporate strong multi-disciplinary, performative, digital, social, and public elements. Rose’s practice is focused on artists' commissions, curation, and exploring the future of museums, especially expanded collections and presentation formats that involve methods of convening.   Rose was Co-Curator of the Diriyah Biennale Foundation's Contemporary Art Biennale in 2024, where she led a large-scale live programme. She has acted as a curator, advisor and mentor for organisations across the GCC including Abu Dhabi Art, Alserkal Advisory, Tashkeel, and معهد مسك للفنون Misk Art Institute , and from 2017-2021, she led the Art Criticism and Cultural Skills Development Programme for the British Council, collaborating with organisations in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Rose has a reputation for curatorial innovation and critical discourse across the art ecosystem. In the UK, most recently, she has developed Performance Exchange - a UK-wide project integrating performance into collections and Collecting as Practice at the Delfina Foundation which interrogates the history of British museum collections, alongside contemporary global collecting practices.   Rose brings Futurecity extensive experience in institutional strategic planning, commissioning, live and public programme curation and teaching, and will curate projects focused on artistic sustainability and discourse within urban and civic space, and the formation of new cultural publics. #Placemaking #Curator #GCC #MiddleEast #ContemporaryArt #CulturalDevelopment #Culture

As part of our growing international team, we are pleased to welcome curator Sara AlMutlaq to Futurecity as an Associate. 📣 ✨   Sara is a successful interdisciplinary artist & curator and cultural strategist with a background in architecture and critical theory. Her most recent curatorial work was showcased in ‘Unfolding the Embassy’ (2024) an exhibition held in Riyadh’s #FenaaAlawwal, while her creative practice was presented at #NoorRiyadh, معهد مسك للفنون Misk Art Institute, and the Diriyah Biennale Foundation public programmes. As Partner and Creative Director of #BureauBayn, a MENA-based creative cultural consultancy, she focuses on creating radical synergy between design practices and curatorial perspectives.   Sara brings an in-depth knowledge of the rapidly growing cultural sector in the Middle East to Futurecity, including cultural asset development for various institutions, including the newly launched DIRIYAH ART FUTURES and long-term exhibition strategies and public programmes for museums, galleries and collections. Sara also brings expertise in commissioning, fabrication, and installation experience, drawn from her work on major public art projects. Sara has recently worked with artists zahrah alghamdi, #SaddiekWasill, and #UgoRondinone. Welcome to the team, Sara! #curator #culturalplacemaking #MiddleEast #culturaldevelopment #ContemporaryArt #InterdisciplinaryArt

Join Cultural Director George Kekatos this Thursday on Public Policy Exchange's Growing the Cultural & Creative Industries webinar. George joins a brilliant panel of speakers including Dr Tarek E. Virani, Nicole Ferdinand, PhD, Deborah Annetts, Philip Nell, and Cllr Julie Jones-Evans to set out how the creative industries can drive inclusive growth for the whole of the UK. Sharing insights from his work embedding culture in commercial developments, George's presentation highlights the value of culture-led meanwhile activation and embedding artists into the development processes - both as a means of destination building, but also as a way to test and explore new uses of the site and local partnerships. Find out more about Futurecity's approach to meanwhile activation, check out the profile of our 'PREVIEW' programme: https://lnkd.in/ekHTF_2d Want to attend the webinar? Visit https://lnkd.in/ehA4sE2F to register your place. Images: 'Outdoor Living' by Atong Atem for STH_BNK; Young Creators UK at the London Studios: 72 Upper Ground

As Futurecity continues to expand its global impact in culture-led placemaking, from Australia, Europe, Turkey and the Middle East, we are thrilled to announce Marek Wolynski as Director of Innovation! 📣 ✨ Marek brings over 15 years of experience in transformative art projects and interdisciplinary collaborations. From heritage-inspired initiatives to immersive digital installations and site-specific public art commissions, he has championed the role of culture and creativity in urban infrastructure projects and pioneering placemaking strategies. As Director of Innovation, Marek drives Futurecity's global projects by fostering impactful partnerships that integrate art, technology, and community engagement. His dedication to experiential design, wellbeing, and long-term sustainability elevates Futurecity's role in shaping the cultural landscape of tomorrow. Reflecting on his role, Marek shares: "Futurecity has been a global leader in cultural placemaking for two decades. I'm excited to build on this legacy by championing projects that unite artistic excellence, innovation, and sustainability - connecting communities and redefining how we experience public spaces." Stay tuned for further announcement and inspiring projects in 2025 and beyond! #CulturalPlacemaking #PublicArt #Innovation #Heritage #Digital

Planning Announcement 📣 ✨ A new development 60 Gracechurch Street has been granted planning permission by the City of London Corporation! Futurecity contributed a Cultural Strategy that incorporates innovative public spaces to enhance user wellbeing, for client SELLAR and #ObayashiProperties in collaboration with Danish architectural practice 3XN/GXN.   This groundbreaking project will provide a Learning Space designed to introduce students to the City of London Corporation’s rich heritage and will support educational access for SEND and state-maintained schools. A publicly accessible roof garden with uninterrupted westward views over London, will provide another free and accessible public space for workers, residents, and visitors alike and a curated “Ground to Sky” series of public spaces designed to connect people to the city in new and inspiring ways.   Positioned on the western edge of the City Cluster, 60 Gracechurch Street will offer over 37,000 square metres of Grade A office space and redefine sustainable, user-focused design in London.   James Sellar, CEO of SELLAR, says: "We are committed to delivering a distinctively designed, sustainable landmark building that supports wellness and meets the needs of the modern occupier. Today's approval is a significant step toward achieving that vision." Futurecity continues to grow its City of London portfolio, establishing partnerships between its cultural institutions Barbican Centre and the London Museum bringing new museums and galleries to the #SquareMile And providing imaginative cultural work for over 15 developments and projects in the City including  Holborn Viaduct, 120 Fleet Street, 65 Crutched Friars, Fleet Street Quarter, and The London Tunnels. For 17 years we have helped to shape the cultural and placemaking future of City of London’s bringing new funding and opportunities for artists and arts organisations.   Here’s to a green, creative and innovative Square Mile!    #60GracechurchStreet #CityOfLondon #SustainableDesign #CulturalStrategy #Planning #DestinationCity 📸 : 3XN/GXN

This week we welcomed two new team members to Futurecity, Lucy Colbert and Emanuele De Angelis. 📣 ✨ As Project Coordinators, Lucy and Emanuele will be supporting Futurecity's projects across both arts and strategy, bringing their curatorial and project delivery expertise to the team at a very exciting and busy time for us. Lucy holds a BA in Fine Art from the Glasgow School of Art and has a background in curating and managing projects within arts organisations and museums. Passionate about the power of the arts to create a sense of place, Lucy is dedicated to contributing to initiatives that create meaningful, global impact through culture and creativity. Emanuele previously managed events programme in the public realm and for a several Business Improvements Districts in London, he is experienced in stakeholder engagement processes as catalyst for public-private partnerships. He is an active member of Placemaking Europe network and holds a BA in City Planning and Architecture from the University of Westminster in London with previous studies in business and marketing in Italy. Welcome to the team Emanuele & Lucy! #teamannouncement #placemaking #culturaldevelopment 📸: Katie Edwards

Cityscape Global 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Urban Development 🌍   Fabienne Nicholas, International Curatorial Director, spoke recently at the Cityscape Global 2024, the world’s largest property event, held in Riyadh this year.   From highly detailed, animated masterplans to towering giga-projects, it’s clear that selling the *vision* of the future is now a booming industry in the region. The focus was especially strong on residential developments, with a noticeable shift from traditional compound housing to more individual apartments and villas. This change reflects the growing demand for more diverse and sustainable living options.   One of the highlights of the event was seeing so many Riyadh residents attending – not just property professionals – eager to learn more about the transformation underway in their city. This kind of community engagement speaks volumes about the energy and excitement surrounding Riyadh’s growth.   As part of the Design and Architecture Stage, Fabienne shared valuable insights on the evolving role of cultural venues as community hubs. The panel, moderated by Sumaya Dabbagh of Dabbagh Architects, delved into how design and placemaking can foster stronger community connections and create vibrant, dynamic spaces.   Fabienne's contribution highlighted the importance of cultural spaces not just as architectural landmarks, but as crucial components that help define a city's identity and create lasting social impact. The conversation was rich with innovative ideas on how thoughtful design can enhance the sense of belonging, connectivity, and engagement within communities.   A big thank you to the other panelists: - Abdulrahman Bin Muqrin (Director of Infrastructure, Misk City) - Marta González Ruiz (Director, PLP Architecture) - Richard Murphy (Managing Director, Richard Murphy Architects)   #CityscapeGlobal #UrbanDevelopment #FutureCity #Placemaking #Architecture #CommunityDesign #Riyadh #CulturalVenues #UrbanTransformation #RealEstate #DesignInnovation #GigaProjects 📸 Cityscape Global & Fabienne Nicholas

Futurecity delivers extraordinary art, from visionary arts strategies to landmark public art experiences. We create timeless, memorable and truly exciting encounters that bring the power of creativity to our cities. ✨ We give clients the confidence to commission great public art, and provide full commissioning services – from artists’ selection through to installation and unveiling. Our team of curators, creative producers and project managers support the the process at every stage providing extensive curatorial, technical, and legal knowledge to ensure projects are delivered to the highest quality. Our landmark commissions can be found around the world - from Studio Swine's 'Infinity Blue', a breathing monolithic ceramic and steel sculpture standing at the centre of #EdenProjects Invisible Worlds; to 'Equinox', Mat Collishaw's three dimensional zoetrope that explores our relationship with nature, which was situated in Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion at Dubai's #Expo2020. Richard Wilson RA's 'Slipstream', almost in its 20th year, greets passengers travelling through Heathrow's Terminal 2, and Conrad Shawcross's 'Optic Cloak' showcases the transformational power of art to turn a piece of infrastructure into a bespoke statement along the skyline at Greenwich Peninsula. With over 200 public artworks delivered, Futurecity is the expert at maximising the transformational value of the arts to support your projects. Get in touch today to explore how we can support your ambitions in creating unique installations and activations within your site. 📣 #publicart #culturalplacemaking #curation #commissioning #planning

Last week, Cultural Director George Kekatos spoke at the RIBA Public Art: Aesthetics in the Public Realm conference - showcasing what can be achieved when private and public sectors collaborate to enliven public spaces with creative interventions. George talked about the role of public art - as a means to unearth heritage, celebrate culture, and create everyday moments of discovery - as well as the role of the artist as convener, bringing the community into the work and process. With 18 years' experience in commissioning landmark public artworks - from the monumental to the experiential - Futurecity are experts at end-to-end commissioning, with concepts underpinned by robust strategies, and networks of partners to realise work at all scales. #publicart #culturalplacemaking #RIBA #culturalplanning photos: Sinéad McCarthy & Rachel De Cesaro