Rhod Ellis-Jones

Principal, Ellis-Jones

How Australian arts and cultural precincts establish place identity and lead place brand activation. 

Abstract:

Arts and cultural precincts, and their inhabitants and physical assets, are anchors for places and culture. They are prominent markers, sought after by visitors, referenced in economic development and destination marketing, and inspiration for designers.

Hear from the designers and cultural leaders who are innovating for economic and social impact. Learn from the research insights, benchmarking and brand activation outcomes, and how these places impact the broader brand of cities and regions.

In this session, Rhod Ellis-Jones will provide deep insights into how place identity theory is being put into practice with arts and cultural precincts in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.

Biography:

Rhod Ellis-Jones is a business, social innovation and communication strategist with diverse experience delivering advice and services to governments and large organisations. He has worked in place identity, place activation and destination marketing for a decade.

Rhod is often commissioned to steer leadership and program teams through periods of complex and transformational change. He worked with the City of Latrobe in its first place identity strategy as part of a long-term pivot from coal fired power as a primary industry. Also, with the City of Melbourne on precinct renewal and city activation using human centred design principles.

He is currently working with arts and cultural organisations on physical and digital place activation, with a focus on seamlessness of experience and ‘digital first’ design challenges. Rhod has also worked on place making and identity for aged care, retirement, and library sectors.
The Ellis Jones team delivers integrated research, co-design, strategy, marketing, and visual branding and has won multiple awards for its projects.