GCDN Annual Convening – Los Angeles 2025

In the aftermath of catastrophic events, recovery is not only a physical process but a profoundly emotional and social one. Deeply embedded in their communities and grounded in place-based practice, artists, placemakers, and cultural leaders are uniquely positioned to help navigate the complex pathways of rebuilding – creating space for collective healing, cultural preservation, and reimagined futures. Yet when disaster strikes, the immediate path forward is rarely clear.

This session draws on a range of practical experiences – from on-the-ground recovery efforts to the long-term support of communities through creative practice – to explore how arts and culture can address trauma, restore a sense of belonging, and lay the groundwork for more connected, inclusive futures.