The 2021 call for applications to join the UNESCO Creative Cities network is open

Ali Bowden
Director, Edinburgh
City of Literature Trust

18 March 2021

The search is on to find new candidate cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Although now comprising of 246 cities, it all started here in Edinburgh in 2004 when UNESCO officially named us as the world's first City of Literature. Since then, the Network has grown to connect cities around the world, celebrating and supporting the fields of Design, Media, Crafts and Folk Arts, Film, Gastronomy, Music and - of course - Literature. Our sister Cities of Literature are able to share opportunities, resources and ideas, taking local ideas to a global audience. And now, applications are open for more places to join the team.

Diversity is a key component to the future success of the Network, and so applicants are particularly welcome from cities in Africa and Arab States, which are currently under-represented. If your city would like consider applying, Edinburgh City of Literature is happy to share what we've learnt as the first Creative City, or connect to those who are able to help.

More information is available on the UNESCO website, including the application form and guidelines needed to get in an application before 30 June. If you represent a prospective city and would like any support before then, email us to set up a time to chat.