In the mix this month is Mark Davy, founder of Futurecity, a London-based placemaking consultancy in the culture-driven development of urban centers. Davy will be paired with provocateur Karin Goodfellow, director of the Boston Art Commission, in a lively conversation about the importance of art within the city and what steps Boston should be taking to ensure its cultural centers and artistic initiatives remain essential in the reimagining of the City of Boston.

Massachusetts is rich in world-class art institutions and has a strong artist presence; however, many of its theaters and public art projects are in threat of demolition or severely reduced funding. If great art makes great cities, how does Boston fare?

Davy is an international leader on cultural placemaking strategies and is involved in more than a hundred projects across the world. His work puts art at the center of urban development. Art is no longer simply the ornament but a key asset to any project from its infancy, whether it be a large brownfield site to an urban center. Art is not a small percent; art is the project.

Putting art at the center of urban development does not happen accidentally. It is intentional. It is the result of planning, decisions, and choices. Every city can choose to be a great place with great art.

A reception will follow.

This event is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency supporting the arts, humanities, and sciences. Additional support is provided by The Boston Foundation and The Bruner Foundation, Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence.

Conversations on Architecture (CoA) is shaking things up for 2016…
The Boston Society of Architects’ series on design exploration.

The Conversations on Architecture (CoA) series is getting a shake, and mixing things up for 2016. Occurring about every other month, this revamped lecture series will feature the same things you love about CoA—an intimate dialogue with a national designer, guided by a guest provocateur that dives deep into key design topics—but with a splash of fun! Each event will feature a signature cocktail by a guest bartender inspired by the speakers work. So head over to BSA Space after hours and enjoy a one-of-a-kind libation paired with one-of-a-kind conversation!

CoA has emerged multiple times since the mid-1980s to deliver intimate opportunities for dialogue with today’s designers. All are welcome but space is limited, so reserve your seat now. All sessions begin at 6:00 pm at BSA Space.

For those who qualify, 2 LUs are available