In 2019, Adelaide hosted the inaugural Asia-Pacific Creative Cities Conference.
Attendees came from 34 cities across 15 countries, including 20 from the Asia-Pacific UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
The 4-day conference welcomed artists and creatives, industry leaders, mayors, and government officials, so that they could connect and bolster regional connections, foster partnerships and future creative collaborations. They participated in robust discussions about Indigenous arts, language and culture; sustainable development, creative entrepreneurship, bilateral partnerships, and cultural tourism.
Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative for the UNESCO New Delhi Cluster Office welcomed participants’ enthusiasm. “This was a great example of what I now know is the ‘Adelaide spirit’, a can-do approach to opportunities and taking the initiative,” he said.
“This conference was held under the banner of the UNESCO Creative Cities network but was brilliantly conceived and created by Adelaide’s City of Music Office, Adelaide Festival Centre and the City of Adelaide.”