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The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global network of cities that use culture and creativity as drivers of sustainable urban development.
Oulu was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts in 2023. We collaborate with other Media Arts cities to develop new initiatives at the intersection of art, technology, and digital culture.
What is the UNESCO Creative Cities Network?
Oulu is a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of Media Arts. The network brings together cities worldwide that harness culture, creativity, and the arts to promote sustainable urban development. UNESCO, the United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, launched the Creative Cities Network in 2004 to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and good practices between cities.
Creative Cities place creativity at the heart of their future development and urban planning. Culture can enhance well-being, strengthen communities, support economic vitality, and help address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and urbanization. The work of the network contributes to the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
International Cooperation Through Media Arts
Oulu is part of the Media Arts subnetwork, which highlights the connections between art, technology, science, and digital media. This focus aligns naturally with Oulu’s strong expertise in technology, its commitment to Art & Tech development, and the city’s ambitions for creative and sustainable growth.
Media Arts cities work together to develop new practices, projects, and partnerships. The network creates opportunities for international collaboration, peer learning, and exchanges among artists, cultural organizations, researchers, educators, and businesses.
In addition to Oulu, the Media Arts subnetwork includes 25 other cities: Cali (Colombia), Campina Grande (Brazil), Guadalajara (Mexico), Austin (USA), Toronto (Canada), Dakar (Senegal), Braga (Portugal), York (United Kingdom), Modena (Italy), Enghien-les-Bains (France), Namur (Belgium), Karlsruhe (Germany), Viborg (Denmark), Hamar (Norway), Linz (Austria), Košice (Slovakia), Tel Aviv-Yafo (Israel), Tbilisi (Georgia), Sapporo (Japan), Gwangju (Republic of Korea), Changsha (China), Novi Sad (Serbia), Caen (France), Casablanca (Morocco), Varna (Bulgaria), and Malang (Indonesia).
What Does the Network Mean for Oulu?
Membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network strengthens Oulu’s international partnerships and supports the objectives of the city’s cultural strategy. It also plays an important role in the Oulu2026 legacy work that continues the long-term development initiated through Oulu’s European Capital of Culture 2026 year.
Through the network, Oulu develops its cultural ecosystem, increases the visibility of the creative sectors, and reinforces the role of arts and culture in regional vitality. At the same time, membership supports Oulu’s position as an international forerunner in northern culture and creative technology.
The network is built on long-term collaboration. Member cities are committed to developing their local cultural and creative ecosystems, sharing knowledge with other cities, and creating new international initiatives together with partners. In Oulu, this work is carried out in cooperation with cultural organizations, educational and research institutions, businesses, and international networks.
We are happy to tell you more about Oulu’s work within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Please contact us via the Contact Information page.
Learn more about the UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Learn more about UNESCO Creative Cities of Media Arts
Learn more about Nordic-Baltic Creative Cities in different fields of creativity