The Three Bells

Behind the scenes: AI in the museum workplace... by Hilary Knight (Reflections from The Three Bells)

S5:E8 We are fundamentally social creatures... Mouna Andraos & Melissa Mongiat, Co-founders, Daily tous les jours

Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat of Daily tous les jours about their book Strangers Need Strange Moments Together , participatory urban art, and why moments of shared joy between strangers are essential to building healthy, resilient cities. External references: Daily tous les jours Strangers Need Strange Moments Together US Surgeon General Report on the Loneliness Epidemic GCDN Research: Culture, Health, and Cultural Districts About our guests: Mouna Andraos &am...

The end must justify the means... by Adrian Ellis (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this new episode of Reflections from The Three Bells , Adrian Ellis, shares insights on capital project planning and the value of defining purpose and impact before building and design. External references: Manal Ataya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mataya-uae/ Sharjah Museums Authority: https://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/ The International Museum Leadership Congress (IMCC): https://www.museum.construction/ The Bilbao effect: how Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim started a global craze: https://www.theguardi...

S5:E7 The Google Arts and Culture Lab... Freya Salway, Head of the Lab

Our host, Hilary Knight speaks with Freya Salway, Head of the Lab at Google Arts and Culture Lab which engages artists, institutions and audiences through experimentation with new digital technology. They discuss the lab’s mission, collaborations, and approach to R&D and partnerships. External references Google Arts and Culture The Lab Experiments with Google Google Arts & Culture and British choreographer, Wayne McGregor developed an AI capable of predicting dance moves in his particula...

Big immersive beasts... by Hilary Knight (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this new episode of Reflections from The Three Bells, Hilary Knight explores the fast-evolving immersive experience landscape, where big players scale up rapidly and independent creators strive to remain empowered to help shape its future. External references: Netflix House Set to Launch as Immersive Retail and Entertainment Destination ABBA Voyage, London The Sphere, Las Vegas + Correction: the Sphere is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, not Los Angeles, California. The Mukaab in Riyadh About th...

S5:E6 We need earth energy... Shey 'Rí Acu' Rivera Ríos, Artist – Writer – Cultural Worker

Our host, Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Shey 'Rí Acu' Rivera Ríos, Artist – Writer – Cultural Worker from Providence, Rhode Island, by way of Borikén. Together, they delve into Shey’s visionary, interdisciplinary work at the intersection of art, civic engagement, and cultural advocacy. At the heart of their conversation: storytelling, identity, community, and resilience. External references: About Shey’s Artistic Practice Studio LOBA Antigonx, a queer, Latinx story inspired by the Greek traged...

Lessons from AEA's Cultural Infrastructure Index... by Adrian Ellis (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this new episode of Reflections from The Three Bells , Adrian Ellis, shares key insights from AEA Consulting’s Cultural Infrastructure Index – now in its ninth edition. External references: AEA Consulting’s 2024 Cultural Infrastructure Index Contributor's bio: Adrian Ellis is the founder of AEA Consulting (1990) and the Global Cultural Districts Network (2013). He has worked in senior management and as a board member in both museums and the performing arts and as a strategy consultant to lead...

S5:E5 The arts are the way we serve... Rachel Moore, President & CEO, The Music Center LA

Our host, Adrian Ellis, speaks with Rachel Moore, President & CEO of The Music Center in Los Angeles, about the organization’s evolving role as both a cultural and civic anchor – from its response to recent local challenges and its leadership in the newly designated Grand Avenue Cultural District, to its commitment to democratic values, inclusive programming, and long-term relevance. Guest bio: Rachel Moore is the President & CEO of The Music Center in Los Angeles, one of the largest per...

Practicing radical joy... by Stephanie Fortunato (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this new episode of Reflections from The Three Bells , Stephanie Fortunato explores the power of practicing radical joy as a guiding principle for cultural leadership in an increasingly divided and hostile era where empathy is too often mistaken for weakness... Contributor bio: Stephanie Fortunato is Director of Special Projects of the Global Cultural Districts Network. Her expertise sits at the intersection of cultural planning and urban development, collaborating with local communities on c...

S5:E4 Exploring the gendered city... Nourhan Bassam, Founding Director, The Gendered City

Our host, Stephanie Fortunato, speaks to Nourhan Bassam, Founding Director of The Gendered City. They discuss the necessity to rethink how cities can be more socially inclusive, the role Cultural Districts can play in promoting that inclusivity, and the many inspiring initiatives Nourhan is championing to push feminist urbanism forward. External references: The Gendered City The Gendered City, 2023 book FEM DES Simone de Beauvoir Dolores Hayden City with a female face: how modern Vienna was shap...

Mapping empathy... by Hilary Knight (Reflections from The Three Bells)

Mapping empathy… In this audio essay, Hilary Knight shares the many benefits of empathy in improving an organization’s workflow and enhancing visitor experience – and offers a framework to leverage it. External references: Frans de Waal, Evolutionary Biologist Mario Mikulincer, Psychologist Phillip Shaver, Psychologist Seung Chan Lim (Slim) at TEDxWellesleyCollege: How Empathy Fuels the Creative Process Bill Drayton, Social entrepreneur and CEO Contributor bio: Hilary Knight is a creative leader...

S5:E3 The murmurs of future potential... Anab Jain, Co-Founder & Creative Director, Superflux

Our host, Hilary Knight, interviews Anab Jain, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Superflux, to explore the studio’s innovative work of creating visceral experiences that encourage audiences to imagine theoretical futures, and the power of tapping into human emotion. References: Superflux: https://superflux.in/# Anab serves as Professor of Design Investigations at the dieAngewandte, University of Applied Arts in Vienna: https://www.dieangewandte.at/en/institutes/design/industrial_design_2 Mitig...

The status quo is not an option... by Adrian Ellis (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this second episode of Reflections from The Three Bells , our host, Adrian Ellis, shares his personal perspective on the evolving responsibilities of cultural institutions and their role in navigating an increasingly polarized world. External references: When background becomes foreground editorial by Adrian Ellis, beginning at 28:35: https://www.thethreebells.net/episodes/s2e8 Stathis Kalyvas: https://www.politics.ox.ac.uk/person/stathis-kalyvas Trump Made Chair of Kennedy Center as Its Pres...

S5:E2 Holding emotional space... Natasha Sharma, co-Curator, Govandi Arts Festival

Our host, Stephanie Fortunato, speaks with Natasha Sharma, co-Curator of the Govandi Arts Festival, about how engagement with the arts and creative interventions can help displaced or overlooked communities reclaim space, agency, and narratives of belonging.

We must unleash radical thought... by Stephanie Fortunato (Reflections from The Three Bells)

In this first episode of our new format, our host, Stephanie Fortunato, shares her latest reflections on the state of our world and our industry through a thoughtful audio essay: We must unleash radical thought… References Southern California wildfires: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2025_Southern_California_wildfires The Linotype Daily: https://dwriletterpress.net/the-linotype-daily-1 The Linotype Daily Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelinotypedaily/ Linotype Machine: https://en.w...

S5:E1 Built to heal a nation... Elaine Bedell, CEO of Southbank Centre

Our host, Adrian Ellis, sits down with Elaine Bedell, OBE, CEO of Southbank Centre to discuss what it means to lead Europe’s largest centre for the arts. Guest bio Elaine Bedell has been CEO of Southbank Centre since 2017. Southbank Centre is the largest arts centre in Europe and the UK’s 5th most visited attraction. Over 20 million people a year visit the 11-acre site, which houses 3 performing arts venues, including the Royal Festival Hall, as well as the Hayward Gallery and the National Poetr...

S4:E12 The Routledge Handbook of Urban Cultural Planning... Rana Amirtahmasebi & Jason Schupbach, Co-Editors

Our host Stephanie Fortunato sits down with Rana Amirtahmasebi and Jason Schupbach, co-editors of The Routledge Handbook of Urban Cultural Planning, to be released in December 2024. The Handbook is the first survey of the latest and greatest thinking in urban cultural planning in 10 years, exploring approaches to bringing more cultural vibrancy and engagement in sustainable urban development. The book focuses on the spatial and social organization of urban spaces that facilitate artistic product...

S4:E11 Welcome to MOWAA... Ore Disu, Director of The Institute, Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

Our host, Adrian Ellis speaks to Ore Disu, Director of The Institute, Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) on the mission and vision of MOWAA and how the institution is thinking about culture, museum praxis and the very idea of “The Museum” differently and within the African context. External references: MOWAA website: https://wearemowaa.org/ Museum of West African Art Announces the Opening of the MOWAA Institute: https://wearemowaa.org/mowaa-institute-launch-announcement/ The National Commission ...

S4:E10 The responsible adoption of AI... Rob Cawston, Director of Digital and Service Transformation, National Library of Scotland

Our host, Hilary Knight speaks to Rob Cawston, Director of Digital and Service Transformation, National Library of Scotland on how the NLS is taking an ethical stance on the use of AI and how this work is tied to its mission and values. External References: National Library of Scotland: https://www.nls.uk/ National Library of Scotland AI Statement: https://data.nls.uk/projects/ai-statement/ National Library of Scotland’s tools: https://data.nls.uk/tools/ 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike: https://en.wikiped...

S4:E9 From New Haven with love... Adriane Jefferson in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

Our host, Stephanie Fortunato speaks to Adriane Jefferson, Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of New Haven. They discuss cultural equity planning at a city level, the fundamental shifts it has facilitated for New Haven, as well as the challenges and opportunities of creating a living and actionable plan to create a more equitable and more culturally diverse ecosystem, written for and by the people. External references: City of New Haven Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism: https://www...

S4:E8 Welcome to Saadiyat Island… HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak in conversation with Adrian Ellis

Our host, Adrian Ellis, speaks to His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chair, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, on the ambitious plans to position Abu Dhabi as a major tourism and cultural destination – particularly through the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and a host of other world-class cultural institutions set to open their doors in the coming years. External references: Abu Dhabi DCT: https://dct.gov.ae/en/default.aspx DCT Museums and Cultura...

S4:E7 Enabling digital return… Tasha James in conversation with Hilary Knight

Summary Our host, Hilary Knight, speaks to Tasha James on the important role digital repatriation plays in enabling the maintenance and revitalization of Indigenous cultures, and the considerations critical to this work. Tasha, a Wiradjuri woman who grew up in Central West New South Wales, Australia, is an Indigenous audiovisual archive specialist and is currently ABC Archives Indigenous Collections & Community Access Manager at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Tasha James Bio ...

S4:E6 From Expo to City… Marjan Faraidooni in conversation with Adrian Ellis

Our host Adrian Ellis speaks to Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education & Culture and Chief of HR at Expo City Dubai about how Expo City transformed itself from a major event venue into a vibrant cultural ecosystem unto itself. References: Expo City Dubai: https://www.expocitydubai.com/ Expo 2020 Dubai Museum opening: https://blooloop.com/museum/news/expo-2020-dubai-museum-opening/ Exposition Universelle of 1867: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposition_Universelle_(1867) Exhibition Road Cultu...

S4:E5 Mastering public spaces... Luisa Bravo in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

Our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Luisa Bravo, founder and president of City Space Architecture. They discuss principles for designing inclusively and creating moments for sharing and togetherness, and how it takes a village to create successful public spaces – including the importance of working with collaborators that might not agree with you. References City Space Architecture: https://www.cityspacearchitecture.org/ Mastering Public Space Magazine: https://www.masteringpublicspace.org/...

S4:E4 The sound of music… Shain Shapiro in conversation with Adrian Ellis

Our host Adrian Ellis speaks with Shain Shapiro, one of the world’s leading music policy thinkers and advocates, founder of Sound Diplomacy, director of the Center for Music Ecosystems, and author of This Must be the Place: How Music Can Make Your City Better. They discuss the role of music in the urban ecosystem, what a city’s music strategy can be, and the ‘edge’ music has as an urban policy tool. References Shain Shapiro Website: https://www.shainshapiro.com/ Sound Diplomacy: https://www.soun...

S4:E3 Awe, wonder, delight, magic… Jason Bruges in conversation with Hilary Knight

Our host, Hilary Knight, speaks with Jason Bruges, Founder and Artistic Director of Jason Bruges Studio, who create site-specific artworks and dynamic immersive experiences. They discuss the task of animating architecture, taking inspiration from nature and natural systems and devising opportunities for co-creating and community building in public spaces. Jason Bruges Bio Jason Bruges Studio has become internationally renowned for producing innovative installations, interventions and ground brea...

S4:E2 From Calgary with Love... Alex Sarian & Nicholas Bell in conversation with Criena Gehrke

In her swan song as a host for The Three Bells, Criena Gehrke (Executive Director, Queensland Theatre) speaks with two leading figures in Calgary’s arts and culture scene, Alex Sarian (President & CEO, Arts Commons) and Nicholas R. Bell (President & CEO, Glenbow Museum). The dynamic conversation covers plenty of ground: from the magic and warmth of Calgary’s cultural scene to the personal and institutional responsibilities carried on the road to reconciliation with indigenous communities...

S4:E1 A Feral Commons... Tairone Bastien in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

Summary In the first episode of our 2024 season, our host Stephanie Fortunato speaks with Tairone Bastien, curator of 'A Feral Commons', a global public art co-commission project that examines the often unrecognized co-dependence and open-ended collaborations between human and non-human beings. The project is led by Alserkal Advisory in collaboration with GCDN and with support from UAP – and features site-specific installations located in three cultural districts worldwide: Alserkal Avenue, King...

S3:E12 The puppet is innocent... Basil Jones & Adrian Kohler in conversation with Stephanie Fortunato

In the final episode of the 2023 season, our host, Stephanie Fortunato, speaks with Basil Jones and Adrian Kohler, founders of Handspring Puppet Company, whose monumental works include War Horse and Little Amal . They discuss the role of puppetry in storytelling, building new audiences, activism and bridging connections between communities. The Three Bells podcast is produced by AEA Consulting for the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN). Sound mixing and theme music by Artwave Studio. Exter...

S3:E11 Expressive interaction... Daniel Iregui in conversation with Hilary Knight

Summary : In this episode, our host, Hilary Knight, speaks with Daniel Iregui, new media artist and founder of Montreal-based digital art studio Iregular, on origin stories, the value of giving audience control over the artwork, testing and R&D; and the concept of ‘play’ in interactive art, online and in-person. Guest bio: Daniel Iregui is a Montreal-based New Media artist who creates interactive sculptures, immersive spaces, and architectural interventions using technology as both a tool an...