UNESCO Creative Cities of the U.S.

Ten cities in the United States have earned designations as UNESCO Creative Cities. Representing nine different states and six different subnetworks, these cities utilize creativity as a means toward sustainable urban development. Click on each city to learn more about its role in the UNESCO Creative Cities network.

Recent News from the Creative Cities

Paxton Media Group | Film Partnership Puts Paducah in the Spotlight

WPSD Local 6 | Louis Michot Brings Cajun-Creole Music to Lower Town Arts & Music Festival

Austin, Texas

City of Media Arts (Designated 2015)

Detroit, Michigan

City of Design (Designated 2015)

Iowa City, Iowa

City of Literature (Designated 2008)

Kansas City, Missouri

City of Music (Designated 2017)

New Orleans, Louisiana

City of Music (Designated 2025)

A man pedals a recumbent bike past Paducah's Wall to Wall Floodwall murals. A woman is in the background on a bicycle. The sun shines through the trees.

Paducah, Kentucky

City of Crafts & Folk Art (Designated 2013)

San Antonio, Texas

City of Gastronomy (Designated 2017) Photo by Lané Pittard

Santa Fe, New Mexico

City of Crafts & Folk Art (Designated 2005)

Seattle, Washington

City of Literature (Designated 2017)

Tucson, Arizona

City of Gastronomy (Designated 2015)

Launched in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) aims to strengthen cooperation with and among cities that have recognized creativity as a strategic factor of sustainable development as regards economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects. By joining the Network, cities acknowledge their commitment to sharing best practices, developing partnerships that promote creativity and the cultural industries, strengthening participation in cultural life and integrating culture in urban development plans. The Network further commits to supporting the United Nations frameworks, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Learn more at www.unesco.org/en/creative-cities/.