Watch the recording: ‘Tomorrow’s Talent: What Do Creatives Need from Cities?’

About the event

At the World Cities Culture Summit 2024 hosted by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, we invited the city’s creative community to attend a public session at Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s leading cultural district.

Moderator: Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, London, and Founder and Chair of World Cities Culture Forum.  

The session featured a panel of experts including:

• Alanood Bukhammas, Professor of Graphic Design at Zayed University in Dubai
• Bridget Smyth, City Architect and Executive Manager of City Design and Public Art at the City of Sydney
• Jader Andre de Souza Rosa, CEO of Itaú Cultural
• Hani Asfour, Vice President of Innovation and Institutional Partnerships at the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation
• Tommaso Sacchi, Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs of Milan

By 2050, seven out of ten people will live in cities. Culture plays a crucial role in making cities attractive places to live, work, and visit. Yet, as urban populations grow, the needs of creatives can often be overlooked. This session explored how cities can attract and retain creative talent, ensuring that artists, designers, and cultural innovators remain central to urban life. 
 
From securing affordable workspaces and fostering innovative education to navigating rapidly evolving technologies, this discussion highlights diverse strategies to position creatives at the heart of our cities. How can we ensure the next generation of cultural and creative professionals is equipped to thrive, adapt, and innovate in a fast-changing world? 

This public session was part of the World Cities Culture Summit, the flagship event of the World Cities Culture Forum, which brings together diverse and influential network of Deputy Mayors, Culture Commissioners, Directors of Culture and city leaders. The Summit is an invite only event.