Speakers

Professor Oli Mould is a leading urban geographer, social theorist, and author renowned for his critical examinations of creativity, cities, and capitalism. He teaches human geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, and his research challenges mainstream urban development paradigms. He is best known for his influential concept of 'subversive creativity', which contests the city-shaping power of the commercialised creative urbanism concept and spotlights grassroots, communal, and activist forms of creative practice.

His pivotal work, Against Creativity (2018), offers a searing critique of how creativity has been co-opted by neoliberal agendas, arguing for its reclaiming as a force for radical social and political change, building on years of empirical and theoretical research. His latest book, Postcapitalist Cities (2026), presents a visionary manifesto for post-capitalist urban futures built on principles of solidarity, activism, care, and the commons.

An engaging public intellectual, Mould's dynamic writing and speaking translate complex theories into urgent public debates. His work empowers activists, planners, artists and citizens to imagine and build more equitable, creative urban futures.