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Dunedin UNESCO City of Literature
Dunedin became New Zealand’s first UNESCO Creative City when it was awarded ‘City of Literature’ status in 2014. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is designed to develop international co-operation among cities and encourages partnerships that deliver on UNESCO’s global priorities of culture and development, and sustainable development. There are seven different Creative City themes in the Network: folk art, gastronomy, media arts, design, film or music and literature. UNESCO Cities of Literature work together to build strong global partnerships: encouraging literary exchanges, creating cross-cultural initiatives and developing local, national and international literary links. This permanent title formally recognises the fact that storytelling and education are central to Dunedin’s identity. In fact, the Octagon – the physical centre and metaphorical heart of the city – is dominated by a statue of famed Scottish poet, Robbie Burns. For us, living in a City of Literature is about working together and sharing ideas across the whole creative community. It is about connecting with all readers and writers through libraries, schools, bookshops, festivals, workshops, events, performances, exhibitions and more. Our city celebrates its wonderful writers of fiction and non-fiction, its poets, oral storytellers, playwrights, screenwriters and lyricists. Dunedin nurtures creative dialogue between authors, publishers, booksellers, musicians, actors, fine artists, designers and photographers. Together, we make up one of the world’s great small cities. Dunedin is well known as a university town of excellence in research and learning, and a city where writers, books and literature thrive. Although a rather young city in worldly terms, Dunedin is a magnificent example of a small city that lives, breathes and connects through its people, its culture and its intense love of literature. Nicky Page was appointed the first Director of City of Literature in April 2016. Nicky had 20 years’ experience in the publishing industry, including publications manager, rights manager, senior editor and freelance editor for New Zealand and international publications. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Postgraduate Diploma in English from the University of Otago combined with extensive experience working with the literary community.
External linkDunedin UNESCO City of Literature websiteDunedin UNESCO City of Literature FacebookAutumn in Dunedin, NZ's City of Literature video from Dunedin NZ Facebook pageLibraries Aotearoa, Our UNESCO City of Literature - Dunedin, article May 2021