Press release
For immediate diffusion
Montreal, May 15, 2025 – HUB Montreal, the international event-market for digital creativity, is pleased to announce a new collaboration with the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), a worldwide network connecting leaders of cultural districts, to explore furthermore the role of culture and creative technologies in the planning and revitalization of public spaces.
This initiative comes at a time when urban environments are rapidly evolving, driven by creative and digital solutions. At the crossroads of culture, urban planning, and technology, GCDN and HUB Montreal seek to foster dialogue around best practices in the revitalization of public spaces through digital creativity.
“In Montreal and around the world, digital creativity is now fully integrated into our urban environment, reshaping our relationship with places and foster social interaction. Through this collaboration with GCDN, we have the opportunity to bring together key decisions makers from the best cultural districts in the world and the most inspiring and innovative creative studios to think about the future of our neighborhoods.” said Rachel Parent, Executive Director of HUB Montreal.
“This partnership with HUB Montreal allows us to further explore a topic that’s gaining momentum among GCDN members and far beyond: how digital and immersive technologies, alongside innovative artistic practices, are transforming public space and strengthening connection. Montreal is at the forefront of these conversations, and it felt natural to draw on that expertise to create a shared space for reflection on the opportunities – and the responsibilities – these developments entail.” said Gregorio Lucena Scarpella, Director of GCDN.
The collaboration will kick off during GCDN’s annual convening in Los Angeles, held from May 18 to 21, 2025 where Julie Dalbec, Director of Programming at HUB Montreal, will co-lead with Jacquelyn West, Senior Advisor, QDS Lab at Quartier des Spectacles International, the workshop “What’s hot and what’s not? Digital Art & Placemaking for Cultural Districts”, alongside key international figures from the field such as Fady Atala – Moment Factory, Margot Mottaz – Superblue, Melissa Mongiat – Daily Tous les Jours, Cheryl Catterall – HKS Futures and Jason Bruges – Jason Bruges Studio. The partnership will continue with the creation of a working group composed of industry experts, designed to foster the exchange of knowledge around shared areas of interest. This group, made up of about ten participants from diverse backgrounds, will provide a collaborative space where discussions aim to generate concrete ideas and actionable strategies.
This joint venture will continue in Montreal during the 9th edition of HUB Montreal, taking place from October 20 to 22, 2025. A series of presentations will be featured as part of the “Architecture, Real Estate, and Public Space” programming track, showcasing tangible examples of urban transformation projects that align with the themes explored alongside GCDN.
About HUB Montreal
HUB Montreal is a non-profit organization created to propel the local creative and cultural industries into the international digital spotlight through its annual market event, its personalized business matchmaking offers, and its global network. www.hubmontreal.com
About GCDN
The Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) is an international federation committed to enhancing urban quality of life through the arts, culture, and the creative industries. This member-led network fosters cooperation and knowledge-sharing between leaders of cultural and creative districts and engages cultural and urban development stakeholders through convenings, research, and collaborations to inform global, local, and sectoral agendas.
GCDN hosts events, commissions research, creates original content, and promotes peer exchange, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. Its podcast, The Three Bells, features conversations with cultural, civic, and urban leaders addressing the challenges and opportunities in the global arts and culture sector. GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting. Members engage with a shared program that guides GCDN’s activities. The global co-commission will help further GCDN’s understanding of the potential of content and programming partnerships between members, particularly in relation to culture’s role in the climate crisis, the global economic and social impact of cultural districts, and the activation of public spaces. https://gcdn.net/
HUB MONTRÉAL THANKS ITS 2025 EDITION PARTNERS
