The Banking Scene - #TBSARTNIGHT24 - November 18, 2024

The art of banking: "The Waterworks of Money"

Sprouted after the pandemic, The Banking Scene Art Night became the must-go evening event of The Banking Scene, welcoming 130 attendees last year, of which 50% were from the banking industry.

The global financial system has undergone significant transformations in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. While efforts have been made to stabilise the market, the emergence of 'asset manager capitalism' with giants like BlackRock and Vanguard, along with the growth of digital currencies, signals a profound shift in the economic landscape.

This conference, "The Waterworks of Money," aims to explore the evolving roles of banks and financial institutions in a world where the design and flow of money are becoming increasingly complex, a world as well, where banks and financial institutions are only one dot in a web of connections.

Key Themes for Discussion:

The Green Financial System: Exploring how financial institutions can support and accelerate the green transition? Can the monetary system that prioritises sustainability and environmental stewardship ensure that green investments and eco-friendly practices become the norm? What is the role of banks in that respect?

The Inclusive Economy: This scenario examines the role of banks in reducing inequality and promoting inclusive growth. It envisions a future where financial services are accessible to all, fostering economic opportunities and bridging the gap between different socioeconomic groups.

The Digital Revolution: Focusing on the rise of digital currencies and technological advancements, this scenario explores how digitalisation can transform the financial landscape. It envisions a world where digital currencies, blockchain, and AI-driven innovations reshape banking, enhancing efficiency, security, and customer experience.

The future of our monetary system is a critical public matter, and it is fundamental for the banking industry to understand its dynamics and how that affects the role of banks in the wider society. This conference serves as a platform for leaders, changemakers and innovators to come together, share insights, and collaboratively shape the path towards a sustainable financial ecosystem that benefits society as a whole.

For this exceptional event, we are collaborating with Dutch artist Carlijn Kingma, a cartographer of society. Unlike traditional cartography, she creates maps of mindscapes: imaginary worlds, continents, and universes to analyze the mechanisms by which we run our society—such as politics, religion, capitalism, and education.

She reassembles them as new fictional worlds, in the hope of finding new paths towards a better future, transcending current concepts of art or architecture.

If you think of money as water, then our financial system is like an irrigation system, watering the economy. Just as irrigation helps crops grow, money allows the economy to flourish. As long as the money keeps flowing, society will thrive—or at least that’s the idea. In reality, large swaths of society remain parched, while a small group of people reap most benefits.

Who creates and allocates our money? Where does it all go? And why doesn’t the financial system work for everyone? These questions are at the heart of "The Waterworks of Money," the latest work by cartographer Carlijn Kingma, in collaboration with financial economists Thomas Bollen and Martijn van der Linden. They lead you through a watery world where money is in motion, its hidden forces made manifest.

We will bring that world for the first time to Brussels for a deep discussion about the future of money and what that means to banking.

This is what The Banking Scene Art Night 2024 was like: