STORIES OF PLACE… THE NARRATIVES SHAPING CULTURAL DISTRICTS
Every place is as unique as the people who experience it. Each cultural district embodies a tapestry of personal memories, community values, and historical legacies that together form its identity… its story. Leading these districts is synonymous with carrying the responsibility for preserving this identity and simultaneously enabling its evolution – a balancing act as challenging as it is essential.
In today’s complex cultural, social, and economic landscape, how can we honor the history of a place while welcoming the narratives that will shape its future? Whose stories emerge, who gets to tell them, how are they shaped and shared, and which voices are heard?
GCDN is holding its eleventh annual convening in Los Angeles from 18 to 21 May 2025. The event is hosted by The Music Center with support from AEA Consulting, and sponsored by Bloomberg Connects and RIOS.
Inspired by the city’s storytelling heritage and set against its rich multicultural backdrop, this edition explores the unique power of stories to connect people to places and to each other – considering the work of cultural districts’ leaders in weaving these narrative threads to bring these places to life. As communities everywhere strive to (re)define themselves on an ever-shifting world stage, this work has never played a more leading role.
The program includes a variety of formats and activities that invite members and guests to learn from each other, engage in meaningful conversations – both on and off stage – and create or renew connections with global peers. As always, the convening is bookended by an opening evening reception and a day of optional tours and activities to allow for comfortable arrival/departure and more time to explore Los Angeles.
GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting.
