Kozhikode and Gwalior Recognized as Creative Cities for Literature and Music

November 2, 2023

In a significant recognition of their contributions to literature and music, Kozhikode in Kerala and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh have been added to UNESCO’s prestigious list of Creative Cities. UNESCO announced this on October 31, which coincides with World Cities Day.

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network

UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) welcomed 55 new cities to its fold on World Cities Day. These cities were designated by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay for their dedication to utilizing culture and creativity in their development strategies and for their innovative approaches to human-centered urban planning.

Expanding the Creative Cities Network

With these new additions, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network now includes 350 cities from over a hundred countries. These cities represent seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music. Each city in the network contributes its unique cultural richness to the global creative community.

Kozhikode: City of Literature

Kozhikode, known for its literary vibrancy, serves as a permanent venue for the annual Kerala Literature Festival and hosts numerous other book festivals. This recognition solidifies its status as a hub for literary enthusiasts.

Gwalior: City of Music

Gwalior boasts a rich and diverse musical heritage, encompassing classical Hindustani music, folk music, and devotional music. The city is home to prestigious music institutes and hosts popular music festivals, further enhancing its cultural significance.

Other Cities Joining the Network

In addition to Kozhikode and Gwalior, several other cities joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in various creative fields. Notable additions include Bukhara for Crafts and Folk Art, Casablanca for Media Arts, Kathmandu for Films, and Rio de Janeiro for Literature.

The Road Ahead

The newly designated Creative Cities are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference, scheduled to take place in Braga, Portugal, from July 1 to July 5, 2024. The conference’s theme, “Bringing Youth to the table for the next decade,” reflects UNESCO’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange among the world’s cities.

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