City of Literature

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Melbourne joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2008 when it was designated the second City of Literature in the world and the first Creative City in Australia. 

Melbourne’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature was an acknowledgment of the breadth, depth and vibrancy of the city’s literary culture.  

But what does it mean? 

  • The UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network offers unparalleled opportunities for cities to draw on peer learning and collaborative initiatives, to fully capitalise on their cultural assets and use them as founding pieces for sustainable, inclusive and balanced development across economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions. 
  • As part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), we are part of a worldwide network which promotes cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. 
  • As a UNESCO Creative City, we are required to have a focal point to be the contact between the City and the UNESCO directorate with the responsibility for the UNESCO reporting. The Focal Point also serves as the representative within the literature sub network and to work at activating the City towards the goals of the network.      
  • As an UNESCO City of Literature, we are part of a network which believes in the fundamental role of literature as a powerful lever for individual and collective development, contributing to the emergence of an increasingly educated, informed, inclusive, creative and participatory society.  
  • As a UNESCO City of Literature, we are committed to uphold freedom of speech, freedom to publish and the freedom to read as fundamental human rights. As per Sustainable Development Goal #16 (“Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”), the Mondiacult Declaration (Articles 1, 5, 9 and others) and The Constitution of UNESCO (Article I, 1.).
  • As Citizens of a City of Literature, our writers have the opportunity to be part of a unique worldwide network of writers’ residencies. As Citizens of a City of Literature our writers can be part of a unique worldwide network, that includes access to writers’ residencies and the opportunity to take part in unique connection activities as well as publish in bespoke commissions. Check our opportunities page.
  • As key agents in us being a UNESCO City of Literature, our literary infrastructure can connect across the Network and break down the barrier of distance that Melbourne has from the world. Ask us how!