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.
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| 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.