UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

By Amigos IAS

Why is it in the news?

  • Kozhikode in Kerala was recently added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
  • Further, Gwalior from Madhya Pradesh also joins the network, bringing the total new additions to 55 cities.
  • Kozhikode is recognized for literature; Gwalior for music.

 

About Kozhikode’s Literary

·       Home to many of Kerala’s notable literary figures.

·       Houses numerous publishing banners and libraries.

·       The first Malayalam novel, “Kundalatha”, was penned in Kozhikode in 1887 by Appu Nedungadi.

·       Birthplace and home to renowned writers like S K Pottekkatt, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, Uroob, and more.

·       Has contributed significantly to film and theatre over the past 50 years.

 

 

 

Indian Cities in the UCCN

·       Kozhikode (Literature)

·       Gwalior (Music)

·       Varanasi (Music)

·       Srinagar (Crafts and Folk Arts)

·       Chennai (Music)

About UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

  • Established in 2004.
  • Aims to foster cooperation among cities prioritizing creativity for sustainable development.
  • Currently has 350 cities from over 100 countries.
  • Focuses on promoting cultural diversity, resilience against threats like climate change and rapid urbanization, and encourages creativity in urban solutions.

 

Cities in the network represent seven creative fields

  • Crafts and Folk Arts
  • Design
  • Film
  • Gastronomy
  • Literature
  • Media Arts
  • Music

 

Objective of the UCCN

  • Recognize creativity as crucial for urban development.
  • Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors, along with civil society.
  • Aims to nurture hubs of creativity and innovation and expand opportunities for cultural professionals.
  • Aligns with the UN’s agenda for sustainable development.

 

Areas of Action for the UCCN

  • Implementation at both city and international levels.
  • Sharing of experiences, knowledge, and best practices among cities.
  • Professional and artistic exchange programs.
  • Research and evaluations on the experiences of the member cities.

 

Annual Conference of Network Cities

  • Provides a platform for mayors and stakeholders of network cities to interact and strengthen ties.
  • Focuses on exchanging information on policies and activities of cities and promoting collaborations.
  • Last conference took place in Santos, Brazil.
  • The current year’s conference was in
  • The next conference is slated for July 2024 in Braga, Portugal.

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