CULTURE
How to apply to UNESCO's Creative Cities Network
All information regarding the application process is available through your country’s National Commission to UNESCO. For further questions or guidance on the application process, please see below or contact Ms. Doyun Lee.
1. Who should be involved in the application process?
- Point Person(s)
One or two person(s) who possess an insider’s knowledge of the city’s cultural industries, including relevant contacts and networks across public, private and civil sectors. The Point Person will ideally coordinate the application process, maintain communication and act as a liaison with UNESCO and between the stakeholders inside and outside the city. - Management Group
A core group of three to four people (including the Point Person) who have a history of working/communicating together, but who bring different perspectives/backgrounds to the project, preferably across public, private and civil sectors. - Steering Committee
This may not be necessary in the application process, but if the city is chosen, Steering Committees would be essential in executing partnerships, exchanges, etc. A preliminary list of potential members on a Steering Committee (usually between 10-20 members) would be helpful in assessing the potential extent and level of participation of a city’s creative community.
2. How to prepare and submit the application?
Experience has shown that the preparation stage should ideally be managed by one or two people, preferably including the Point Person, who will be in charge of directing research, compiling documentation and coordinating the final draft of the application.
The final candidature file should be submitted via postal mail and preferably including a digital copy (on a CD-ROM or by e-mail).
To receive a PDF sample application please contact Ms. Doyun Lee.
3. How to structure and build the application?
The content should be as clear and concise as possible, while the presentation of the city’s cultural assets (such as infrastructure, education, public initiatives, etc.) should reflect both breadth and depth in research.
Following is UNESCO’s preferred approach for presenting the application:
Management Group Information
Including thematic network for which a city is applying, name and contact information of Point Person, names and titles of members of the Management Team, names and titles of members of the Steering Committee (if applicable) and date of submission.
Table of Contents:
- Executive Summary
Description of the city’s mission and goals within a cultural context and in relationship to the Creative Cities Network - Description of the city
Geographical area, city layout, population, cultural infrastructure, creative economy (if possible provide facts and figures on the impact of cultural industries in your city), social, financial and political information. - Cultural Assets in the chosen thematic network
Check the thematic criteria that correspond to your selected creative field - literature, film, music, crafts and folk art, design, media arts, gastronomy.
4. How to get support during the application process?
Please consult the webpage regularly since it will be frequently updated with relevant information for the application process. You can also contact Ms. Doyun Lee if your questions are not answered on the website.
5. What are our responsibilities and entitlements if we are selected to join the Creative Cities Network?
Cities have the responsibility to demonstrate the willingness to operate internationally and to participate in the transfer/exchange of knowledge and information with other members of the network. Cities have to inform UNESCO on an annual basis of the progress made in the implementation of policies and activities, both locally and internationally and in cooperation with other cities.
The title conferred upon the cities is one of the following:
UNESCO City of Literature / Film / Music / Crafts and Folk Art / Design / Media Arts / Gastronomy