Jess Scully batters my self-esteem in the best possible way. As the Artistic Director of the Creative Sydney Festival, Creative Director of the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards, Editor of Fashion bi-annual SummerWinter and interview editor of the Hijacked book series, Scully is the type of multi-tasker who makes me feel lazy, unaccomplished and small. The type of hardworking, mutli-talented creative that spurs your own productivity through a weird reverse schadenfreude. We’re almost positive she subscribes to Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Ultrashort Sleep Strategy” or has perfected clone technology.
Anyway, Scully, (in conjunction with The British Council) has recently unveiled her latest project Creative Cities a celebration and exploration of all things urban. The project asks “How can we ensure that the qualÂity of our lives – and of our envirÂonÂments – keeps improvÂing in this cenÂtury of the city? By nurÂturÂing the disÂtinctÂive idenÂtity and perÂsonÂalÂity of the creÂatÂive city, we can help as many people as posÂsible to think, plan and act creÂatÂively, to grasp opporÂtunÂitÂies and solve probÂlems inventively.”
Focusing on Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia the website offers local insight into the City’s role as a creative hub, cultural icon, living space and social environment. The blog draws from monthly themes (Social Spaces, Sustainable Cities, Creative Communities and Future Visions) and offers a more refined take on the issues hinted at during this year’s Creative Sydney talks. Check back regularly for posts from Urban planÂners, cityÂscape thinkers, comÂmunity storytellers, artists, creatives, local bloggers and of course, Scully herself.
