The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was initiated in 2004 to build cooperation between cities in the world that applies creativity as a major factor in urban development. As of 2017, there have been 180 cities from 72 countries included in this network.
Bantul has dozens of creative craft centers that have existed for a long time at the local community level.
The quality is already able to compete in the world market.
The purpose of cities in the world to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network is to:
- Strengthen the creative process, production and distribution of cultural activities, goods and services.
- Develop a center of creativity and innovation and expand opportunities for creators and professionals in the cultural sector.
- Increase community participation in cultural and economic life, especially for marginalized groups and individuals.
- Making culture and creativity the main capital in sustainable development plans.
The UCCN Creative Cities Network covers seven creative fields:
- Folk Crafts and Arts
- Media Arts
- Film
- Design
- Gastronomy
- Literature
- Music
Each city can identify their creativity capital from the seven creative fields above to register themselves in the Creative Cities Network.
Cities As a Basis for Sustainable Development
Urban environments are the incubators of ideas, methods, and innovations that propel culture and creativity to the forefront of sustainable development. Urban communities that are creative, tolerant, and courteous are able to adapt to common issues such as the economic crisis, environmental impact, and population increase.
Because it is home to more than half of the world’s population, the metropolis becomes the powerhouse of a country or area. Furthermore, metropolitan regions account for 75% of economic activity, particularly in creative economies.
The importance of cities in fostering sustainable development that focuses on human resource development is recognized in the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Culture and creativity are crucial levers in the execution of sustainable development in this movement.
People exercise culture and creativity in their daily lives at the local level. As a result, the government will continue to collaborate with the business sector and civil society to strengthen the culture and creative industry.