What we learnt from SXSW London about the future of place - Special Episode

In this special solo episode of Talking Place, host Tanisha Raffiuddin, Creative Director of Concept Culture, shares her reflections from the inaugural SXSW London 2025—a bold and buzzing fusion of tech, culture, design, and storytelling.

As a festival known for its intersectional approach, SXSW’s arrival in London was more than a cultural moment—it was a lens into what the future of place might look like when the creative economy meets public space, policy, and innovation.

Through keynotes by global icons like Jane Goodall, Idris Elba, Sam Ryder, Björn Ulvaeus, and Wyclef Jean, Tanisha unpacks how imagination, equity, technology, and authenticity are reshaping how we design and experience place.


Key Themes:
Place as more than physical—it's emotional, immersive, and digital
Culture as essential civic infrastructure
Technology that feels and listens, not just scales
Intersectionality as a driver of meaningful innovation
Storytelling as a foundational tool for place identity

Featured Mentions & Quotes:
🗣 “If we lose hope, we become apathetic.” – Jane Goodall
🧠 “Your imagination is expensive.” – Idris Elba
🎶 “Authenticity is not a trend. It’s a survival strategy.” – Sam Ryder
🧬 “AI is an extension of your mind.” – Björn Ulvaeus
🔥 “Don’t compromise your roots.” – Wyclef Jean
📚 “You can’t fool Wikipedians.” – Jimmy Wales

Connect with us:
Concept Culture: www.conceptculture.co
Talking Place Instagram: @talkingplacepodcast
Tanisha on LinkedIn: Tanisha Raffiuddin
Tanisha’s Instagram: @tanisha.rr
Email: hello@conceptculture.co