What role does culture play in shaping our cities, and how can collaboration across borders help places thrive?

In this episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin talks place with Gregorio Scarpella, Director of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), a worldwide network connecting cultural districts at the intersection of culture and urbanism.

Drawing on his international journey and his leadership of a global peer network, Gregorio shares how cultural districts can act as catalysts for more inclusive, resilient, and human-centred cities. From governance and stewardship to climate action, equity, and relevance, the conversation explores how culture operates not as an add-on, but as essential urban infrastructure 

Together, they unpack how collaboration, care, and curiosity can turn places into shared civic assets and why cultural leadership matters more than ever in a rapidly changing world 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🟣 What defines a cultural district and why GCDN avoids rigid models in favour of shared agendas and collaboration

🟣 How cultural districts sit between institutions and cities, unlocking impact greater than the sum of their parts

🟣 Why stewardship, programming, and “vibe” are as important as physical design in creating great places

🟣 How cultural districts worldwide are grappling with climate change, displacement, and questions of value

🟣 What successful examples like The Bentway in Toronto reveal about long-term, people-first placemaking 

About Our Guest

Gregorio Scarpella is the Director of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), a membership organisation supporting more than 70 cultural districts worldwide. Born in Brazil, raised in Switzerland, and now working globally, Gregorio brings an international perspective to cultural placemaking, governance, and urban collaboration.

GCDN convenes cultural leaders across continents to share research, practice, and policy on issues ranging from public realm activation and social impact to climate resilience, equity, and digital transformation. Under Gregorio’s leadership, the network has expanded its global reach, research output, and role as a trusted forum for candid, peer-to-peer exchange 

A passionate advocate for relevance, collaboration, and care, Gregorio believes culture is fundamental to human connection and that cities thrive when people feel welcome, safe, and able to gather.

Join the Conversation:

What makes a place feel welcoming, relevant, and alive?
How can culture help cities respond to today’s biggest challenges?

Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or LinkedIn @TalkingPlacePodcast using #TalkingPlacePodcast

🔗 Links & Mentions:

🌍 Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN): https://www.gcdn.net
🏙️ The Bentway, Toronto: https://www.thebentway.ca
🎭 Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal: https://www.quartierdesspectacles.com
📍 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Athens: https://www.snfcc.org

To learn more about the host Tanisha Raffiuddin – 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:
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To learn more about Concept Culture – visit here:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/concept-culture-uk
Website: www.conceptculture.co
Twitter: @_concep

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