This year the seven creative fields considered by UNESCO were; Crafts, Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
The force behind this wonderful news and success is the Design Terminal, who with much confidence, and rightfully so, decided to partake in the application for being one of these great selected cities, within the UNESCO offered categories. Supported by the Municipality of Budapest, the application and acceptance was a success and has thrust Budapest into the high-rolling Design sphere in which Melbourne, Shanghai and Berlin have also been awarded.
The eligibility and the attributes that UNESCO looks for in applicants are their force of creative nature, creative endeavors and most importantly their creative-economy. What does all this creativity mean? To put it in so many words; as the breeding ground for development and new urban strategies, cities are the centers, the hubs that allow all the ingredients for urban regeneration through cultural diversity, stimulation of growth, innovation and social cohesion. All of these mixed together, make challenges that are inevitable for all cities around the world, more workable and tangible for the right solutions through creative and innovative thinking, making an impact not only locally but regionally and eventually globally, should these challenges be environmental, demographic, economic or social.
What this honor entails for all cities who have been accepted, is a gateway of opportunity: as a member they will be able to present and distribute their creative endeavors and industries onto a world platform while interacting with each other within the UNESCO Creative City Network. This allows a free flow of information, collaboration and strengthen their place within the creative world industries.
Budapest is thriving, it is evident for anyone to see, and as each day passes we see more and more diversity bursting through it's hidden areas. We could say that our city is full of surprises and with enthusiasm.