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Kathmandu recognized as UNESCO Creative City
"Kathmandu is as creative in music as it is in gastronomy, literature, or architecture,鈥 Ms. Sunita Dangol, Deputy Mayor, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) explains the rationale behind selecting films as the area for this recognition.
The decision to apply to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, specifically as a City of Film was taken to use it as a platform to showcase Kathmandu鈥檚 various art forms, tangible and intangible, to the world.
In a resounding testament to its diverse artistic tapestry, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has proudly earned the prestigious title of UNESCO Creative City of Films. KMC鈥檚 entry in this club of 350 cities from more than 100 countries signals a transformative moment for the city's creative and cultural landscape. Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) fosters international cooperation within and across cities worldwide that utilize culture and creativity as a strategic lever for sustainable urban development. This international accolade not only celebrates the city's rich cultural heritage but also serves as a catalyst for local and global stakeholders to invest in Kathmandu's burgeoning creative industries.
During the application process, the first hurdle for KMC and UNESCO Office in Kathmandu had to overcome was to select one creative field out of the possible seven (craft & folk arts, design, film, gastronomy, media arts, literature, and music). As the selected area determines the succeeding steps, careful deliberation and consultations between KMC and concerned stakeholders were a must; the City embarked on a comprehensive journey of workshops, discussions and meetings to hone its strategy and develop the application. An effort well worth it, as the final result has brought immense joy to Kathmandu's artistic community.
As the newly designated UNESCO Creative City, KMC will support research and development, establish and revitalize infrastructure, promote local arts and culture and initiate a policy dialogue for the development of cultural and creative industry. This international recognition gives an incentive to local and global stakeholders to invest in the city鈥檚 creative industries and aligns with UNESCO's sustainable development goals, placing culture at the heart of development processes and championing the creative economy. A critical aspect of the application process involved presenting a 4-year action plan to the selection committee and with the success of the designation, KMC has allocated a section of its annual budget for the next four years to carry out the proposed activities and programs in the plan, cementing Kathmandu鈥檚 status as a Creative City of Film.
The designation not only celebrates Kathmandu鈥檚 rich cultural heritage, but also is intended to serve as a catalyst for the promotion of the creative industries, local artistry, job creation and fostering the local creative economy toward a future where Kathmandu's creative energy, as encompassed in its youth, fuels both cultural pride and economic prosperity
As Kathmandu embarks on this transformative journey, the UNESCO Creative City status is not just a badge to pin but a springboard for a vibrant cultural renaissance, inviting the world to witness the magic of Kathmandu's cinematic and artistic prowess, showcasing a side of the country that known more international for mountainous pursuits.
鈥楶lacing culture at the heart of development鈥 is one of UNESCO鈥檚 key strategies in Nepal. Recognizing the tremendous cultural diversity that exists in the country, it sees the integration of youth-driven cultural and creative industries as a driver of sustainable development.
