Mark Davy Keynote Speaker

Founder of Futurecity, the global culture-led placemaking agency
Adviser on major regeneration projects including Battersea Power Station, Canary Wharf and the Elizabeth Line
Leading advocate for integrating arts and culture into urban development and placemaking

Mark Davy's Biography

Mark Davy is the Founder of Futurecity a global placemaking agency established in 2007 to promote culture-driven development. Davy champions culture as the guiding narrative behind the regeneration and development of towns, cities, and regions.

He has persuaded real estate developers and investors across the world to invest millions of dollars in placing arts and culture at the masterplan and design stages of developments. In 20 years since its formation, Futurecity has delivered over 140 public art projects and 250 strategies across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Australia.

In London, Futurecity has contributed to major projects such as a cultural strategy for Battersea Power Station, 17 development projects in the City of London, public arts strategy and implementation for the Elizabeth Line, and placemaking strategies for Canary Wharf and Wembley Park. He has also led on brokering new homes for major institutions, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Ballet and the Centre Pompidou.

Davy is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Advisory Panel, Executive Director of the Land Economic Society, and a member of the NLA Expert Panel for Culture and the National Trust Regional Advisory Group.

Culture-Led Regeneration and Placemaking

The Future of Cities and Urban Development

Arts, Culture and Economic Growth

Creating Places People Want to Live, Work and Visit

Innovation, Design and Sustainable Communities

He helps organisations create places with purpose, demonstrating how culture, creativity and the arts can drive regeneration, economic growth and stronger communities.
He translates placemaking and cultural strategy into practical frameworks, helping developers, investors and civic leaders create destinations with lasting social, cultural and commercial value.
He combines expertise in culture, urban development and real estate, offering a unique perspective shaped by founding Futurecity and delivering projects across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia.
As Founder of Futurecity, he has led cultural strategies for landmark developments including Battersea Power Station, the Elizabeth Line, Canary Wharf and Wembley Park, while helping secure new homes for institutions such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Ballet and the Centre Pompidou.
His inspiring keynotes equip audiences with practical insights into placemaking, culture-led regeneration and the role of creativity in shaping vibrant, resilient and future-ready cities.