Gwalior, Kozhikode among 55 new cities to join UNESCO Creative Cities Network

While Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has made it to the coveted list in the

 ‘Music’ category, Kozhikode in Kerala has earned the place in the ‘Literature’ category.

Gwalior and Kozhikode from India are among the 55 new cities which have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The inclusion of Gwalior and Kozhikode in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network marks a significant milestone in recognizing and celebrating the cultural and artistic richness of these two Indian cities.

These cities have a rich and storied history, and their traditions are deeply embedded in their respective regions. By joining the network, they commit to preserving and promoting their unique cultural heritage, which may include art, music, literature, craft, and more. This recognition helps protect and showcase their traditions for future generations.

Membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network provides international recognition for Gwalior and Kozhikode. It highlights the global significance of their cultural contributions and places them on the world stage alongside other renowned creative cities. This recognition can boost tourism, cultural exchange, and international collaborations, which can have economic and social benefits for these cities.

It allows Gwalior and Kozhikode to exchange ideas, knowledge, and best practices with other creative cities. This collaboration can lead to new initiatives, projects, and events that celebrate and promote local culture, fostering a sense of unity among diverse communities.

Recognition by UNESCO can lead to the development of creative economies in these cities. It can encourage local artists, artisans, and creative professionals to thrive, potentially leading to increased employment opportunities and economic growth. The arts and culture sector can play a vital role in the local development of these cities.

As members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Gwalior and Kozhikode have the opportunity to engage in cultural diplomacy. This involves sharing their cultural assets, organizing cultural events, and fostering artistic exchanges with other cities. It can strengthen international relations and promote a deeper understanding of Indian culture and traditions on a global scale.

This  recognition can lead to an increased focus on education and skill development in creative fields. Both cities may establish programs and institutions aimed at nurturing local talents, fostering creativity, and enhancing the skills of artists and artisans. This investment in education can have long-term benefits for the cities’ creative industries.

The creative and cultural sectors can contribute to economic growth and social development. Increased recognition of the cities’ creative assets can stimulate job creation, support small businesses, and drive entrepreneurship. This can help improve the standard of living and well-being of the local population.

IT also provides a platform for local artists and creators to showcase their talents on a global scale. It encourages the creation of new art forms, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and innovation in the creative sector, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic cultural scene.

While Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh has made it to the coveted list in the ‘Music’ category, Kozhikode in Kerala has earned the place in the ‘Literature’ category.

UNESCO has shared the full list of the new 55 cities which include Bukhara – Crafts and Folk Art, Casablanca – Media Arts, Chongqing – Design, Kathmandu – Film, Rio de Janeiro – Literature, and Ulaanbaatar – Crafts and Folk Art.

World Cities Day designated by the United Nations falls on October 31.

With the latest additions, the UCCN now counts 350 cities in more than a hundred countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music, UNESCO said in its statement.

The announcement of these new additions to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network coincides with World Cities Day, which underscores the significance of urban areas in sustainable development. These creative cities exemplify how culture, art, and literature can contribute to sustainable urban growth, creating vibrant and dynamic city environments.