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Why cities? 

Cities are increasingly playing a vital role in harnessing creativity for economic and social development:

  • Cities harbor the entire range of cultural actors throughout the creative industry chain, from the creative act to production and distribution.

  • As breeding grounds for creative clusters, cities have great potential to harness creativity, and connecting cities can mobilize this potential for global impact.

  • Cities are small enough to affect local cultural industries but also large enough to serve as gateways to international markets.
 

Nowadays more than half of the world population lives in cities. The concept of ‘Creative Cities’ is based on the belief that culture can play an important role in urban renewal. Policy makers are increasingly taking account of the role of creativity when planning economic policy.

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network is developing a fundamental concept of ‘Creative Economy’ and ‘Creative Industries’ which the UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) define as ‘those industries which have their origin in individual creativity skill and talent and which, have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property’.

As creative industries contribute to a city’s social fabric, cultural diversity and enhance the quality of life, it also strengthens a sense of community and helps define a shared identity.

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santafe-4_thumb.jpg Creative Cities Strategic Planning Meeting in Santa Fe, USA
06 Jan 2007 - In late October 2006, representatives from six of the nine UNESCO Creative Cities met in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA to strategize about future projects to consolidate the Network. 

 

osaka_th.jpg World Creative City Forum, Osaka, Japan. 24-27 October 2007
 International House Osaka
24 Oct 2007 - 27 Oct 2007  Bologna, UNESCO City of Music, Montreal, UNESCO City of Design and Santa Fe, UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, will join other speakers at this international creative cities event. 
uclg.jpg 2nd UCLG World Congress, Changing Cities Are Driving Our World
 International Convention Centre Jeju
28 Oct 2007 - 31 Oct 2007  For the second time, representatives of the world’s largest and most representative regional and local government organization will gather for the 2nd UCLG World Congress. 

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