Launch ceremony for the competitive bidding stage of our city's designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Design
In a significant move towards cultural and creative development, the city of Essen has launched its bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Design (UCCD). The announcement was made on August 26, 2025, signifying the city's commitment to position itself as a significant national and global hub of the cultural and creative industry.
The city's bid aims to improve the living space of its citizens through design, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative is expected to make Essen's identity as a design city visible to other cities and countries.
Mayor Thomas Kufen expressed his confidence in the title of UCCD, stating that it holds immense potential for the city's development. Essen is also committed to engaging in UNESCO goals in international cooperation, democracy promotion, and peacebuilding through culture and creativity.
The first meeting of the steering committee, comprising representatives from culture, business, academia, and the city, was held to align the objectives and tasks of the committee and the expectations of all involved. The meeting focused on identifying actors who could be involved in the application and potential cooperations, including international ones, to strengthen the application.
Participants discussed the current status of the application process, identified challenges, and set a timeline for the next steps. The bid aims to be submitted in the 2027 application cycle.
The application process requires the involvement of the city's diversity, not just the city administration. All participants committed to ensuring active involvement to shape the UCCD application as a sustainable and inclusive process.
Art and design will be integrated barrier-free, inclusive, diverse, and sustainably into all development processes in Essen. For more information, visit the UNESCO Creative City of Design website at https://www.unesco.org/creative-cities/design.
The city encourages its citizens and stakeholders to stay informed and engaged in this exciting journey. For updates and inquiries, please contact the Press and Communications Office at Rathaus, Porscheplatz 45121 Essen, via telephone at +49 201 88-0 (ServiceCenter Essen), email at presse@our website, or online at www.our website/presse.
Essen's bid for UNESCO Creative City of Design aims to increase the city's international visibility and cooperation. As the city moves forward in this ambitious endeavour, it invites everyone to join in celebrating and shaping the future of design in Essen.
