Who Builds Tomorrow?

Virtual, in-person, and pay-what-you-can options will be available.

September 11 & 12, 2026

For a decade, Art of City Building (AoCB) has gathered residents, planners, artists, civic leaders, and change-makers to imagine Halifax not just as a place where things happen, but as the place we build together. From “Inspiring Conversations” to “New Perspectives,” each year has deepened our understanding of place, people, and possibilities. This 10th anniversary reframes “investment” beyond dollars—to include time, care, relationship-building, and intellectual energy as essential currencies for vibrant communities.

We ask: Who builds tomorrow? While sharing how thoughtful conversation translates to transformative action through the following themes:

1. Who Builds Tomorrow?

Often, it’s the workers we see every day but rarely hear from. This session centers the voices of those who maintain, clean, repair, and sustain urban life. Their daily experiences reveal critical insights about what works, what fails, and what cities need to function.

2. Impact Circle: From Conversation to Transformation

The direct connection between AoCB discussions and tangible changes within our city. A review of past conversations and culminating with current outcomes, we will demonstrate how ideas introduced on AoCB stages have evolved into projects, policies, and movements that now shape our cities.

3. The Climate Generation

This theme investigates climate resilience and emerging solutions within cities and communities across multiple generations. It addresses how various age groups approach climate resilience and environmental justice, identifies insights gained from examining intergenerational patterns, links and interactions.

4. Councils & Crossroads

Examining pivotal decisions from the past decade. This session explores fundamental questions: What are the roles of citizens and elected officials in shaping cities? How does our current governing system enable or constrain good city building? When democratic processes and expert recommendations conflict, how should we decide?

Accessibility

We strive to make AoCB inclusive and accessible to all participants. We invite participants to identify any accessibility accommodation needs by contacting us at artofcitybuilding@gmail.com by August 29, 2025.

Partnership Opportunities

The Art of City Building is a "pay what you can" conference, made possible by the incredible support of many volunteers, attendees, and partners. As we prepare for AoCB 2025, we are actively seeking partners who share our vision for thoughtful city building and who wish to help us maintain accessible civic conversations for all. We also welcome custom collaboration! Please contact us artofcitybuilding@gmail.com with collaboration ideas or for custom partnership opportunities.

Our LIST OF 2025 Partners