Teeming with artists and energy, the XVI annual UCCN conference seeks to improve cultural life across the globe. But did you know it existed? For believers in the power of culture, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) initiative might be the most exiting thing they've never heard of. It sounds like a simple enough idea.
Connecting cities through mutual interests in culture. Dialogue is encouraged. Artists share ideas across borders.
One city's success can inspire another's. That's broadly the mission. But it's complicated.
The network was established in 2004 to foster international cooperation and use culture and creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development. Since Edinburgh kicked off the programme in 2004 as a City of Literature, the UCCN has grown enormously to 350 cities in more than 100 countries. Cities that identify a form of creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development are invited to apply.
But once in, what transformation realistically takes place? Fundamentally, cities that become part of this expanding network are able to access best practices and even leverage their UN-recognised status to increase their lobbying power. At best this could result in funding for the cultural pillar they represent. The areas are: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.
The implementation on policy at local government level is the all-important city mayor, and this is where UCCN has targeted its efforts. ".