Turning a neglected park into a city’s favourite | James Delaney | TEDxJohannesburgSalon

United Nations in South Africa in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, TEDxJohannesburg and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), brought together an unforgettable lineup of speakers and performers who shared ideas around the world's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

In this inspiring talk, urban revitalisation advocate James Delaney shares the remarkable story of how community efforts breathed new life into The Wilds, a once-forgotten 40-acre park in the inner city of Johannesburg, South Africa. Delaney reveals how creative placemaking, social media outreach, and volunteer mobilisation overcame urban decay, transforming the park into a vibrant public space. Aligned with the goals of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, his insights demonstrate how local action can enhance city liveability, foster community safety, and bridge socio-economic divides. This talk offers a powerful case study in grassroots-driven urban regeneration, with lessons that resonate far beyond a single park. Discover how you can help reshape your own community. James Delaney, a multidisciplinary artist from Johannesburg, specializes in sculpture and placemaking. He spearheaded the transformation of a 40-acre abandoned park into the city's top-rated public space. Delaney's laser-cut steel sculptures, which dialogue with nature, have garnered international acclaim. Working from Victoria Yards, he also creates prints, paintings, and photographs, exhibiting globally and winning multiple awards.