THE VALUE(S) OF CULTURAL DISTRICTS
GCDN is meeting from 22 to 26 May, 2023. The ninth edition of the convening is an invitation to return to Montreal – where we held one of the very first meetings of the network. Hosted by GCDN members Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles, the convening builds upon our understanding of the multi-layered and far-reaching value of cultural districts to explore their potential as civic sites dedicated to arts, culture and creativity for transformational change in urban life. There is a lot to discuss following our meeting in Lugano and we have expanded the event to provide members and guests even more opportunities to learn from each other and from expert counsel. Themes and sessions include:
- New trends of globalization
- Equitable leadership in the arts and culture
- Cultural tourism in the 2020’s
- Centering the Indigenous experience
- Public art and the identity of place
- Impact measurement and reporting strategies
- Safety and security in public spaces
- Governance and business models for cultural districts
- The future of downtown
- And more…
The program also includes workshops and focus sessions to allow members and guests to discover valuable tools and models, as well as to learn from each other’s practices. The convening also features social events, site visits, and is bookended by an opening evening reception and a day of optional tours to allow for comfortable arrival/departure and more time to explore Montreal.
The Montreal 2023 convening supports GCDN’s commitment to make an authentic contribution to addressing the most challenging issues of the day. We are still living in a time of social, economic, environmental, and political flux. The state of the world makes it ever more important to go beyond the rhetoric and refine our understanding of the resources and appetite required to achieve meaningful change; and for cultural districts to contribute to the transition to a greener, more inclusive, and more resilient tomorrow.
GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting. Find out more about GCDN here and please contact us if you have any questions.
All information on this webpage is subject to change – last updated on 13 May 2023.
Tickets
GCDN Membership provides free registration to the convening for two representatives – and a 25% discount on any additional registration. Please contact us if you require the code to book your complimentary/discounted tickets as members of the network.
If your organisation is a not-for-profit, you may acquire a discounted registration.
NB: This convening is conceived for people with responsibility for planning and managing cultural districts. It is not intended as a business development forum for individuals or entities selling services and we retain the right to decline requests from outside the intended audience.
Speakers
Venues and map
These are the main convening venues. Please refer to the map below for additional places of interest and directions.
Double Tree by Hilton: Days 1 & 2 + Hosted Dinner venue
Société des Arts Technologiques: Day 0 venue
Place des Arts: Day 3 venue
Pictures & summary
Click on the buttons below to access pictures and a summary report.
Program
The GCDN Annual Convening – Montreal 2023 has the following structure:
– Mon, May 22: opening reception (evening)
– Tue, May 23: Convening
– Wed, May 24: Convening
– Thu, May 25: Convening – public day
– Fri, May 26: optional tours
Click on the button below to access the full program.
We encourage registered attendees to create a profile on Sched to access the full programme, sign up for break out sessions, and interact with other participants before, during and after the event.
The convening programme is also available on the Sched app for iPhone and Android. Use the buttons below to download the app for your smartphone.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any question about the schedule or if you encounter any issue navigating Sched on your browser or phone.
You may also watch these tutorial videos to familiarize yourself with Sched’s features:
Partners
Co-host
Event Sponsor
Hotels
Registered convening attendees have access to special rates (CA$250/night) at:
: DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal
: DoubleTree by Hilton MontrealThe DoubleTree by Hilton is also where the convening program on 23-24 May will take place – and is under 10min walk away from all the other venues.
You will receive a special link to book your stay with the registration confirmation email. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accommodation.
Travel
Recommended travel dates: to enjoy the experience of the convening to the fullest, GCDN recommends planning to arrive in Montreal by mid-afternoon on 22 May and leave on 26 May.
Recommended itinerary (air travel): land at Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and then take a taxi to the hotel.
Visas: Please visit this webpage to check entry requirements for your country of origin. If your country of origin requires a visa to enter Canada, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible. For attendees coming from visa-free countries, you will have to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board a flight to Canada.
Covid-19: please refer to this official local government webpage for current information on the situation in Montreal and any Covid-19 related entry requirements/restrictions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for advice on travel plans.