CITY OF LITERATURE - ART
AND CULTURE
News: Kozhikode gets ‘City of
Literature’ status in Portugal event
What's in the news?
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Kozhikode in north Kerala,
known for its rich cultural heritage, was officially declared as India's first
UNESCO 'City of Literature'.
Key takeaways:
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In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in
the 'Literature' category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Kozhikode:
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Kozhikode hosts many prominent personalities of Kerala's literary and cultural world,
leading media houses, several libraries (over 500 libraries) and has also
produced many films and theatre professionals over the years.
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The first
Malayalam novel Kundalatha was written by Appu Nedungadi in Kozhikode in
1887.
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Many renowned
writers like S. K. Pottekkatt, Thikkodiyan and P. Valsala Sanjayan, along
with poets, scholars, and publishers have contributed to the diversity and
vibrancy of Malayalam literature and culture.
UNESCO Creative Cities
Network:
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UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created
in 2004.
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The network covers seven creative fields namely Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film,
Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
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The annual
conference of mayors and other stakeholders of network cities offers a
unique occasion to strengthen ties between creative cities from across the
world.
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In 2024, the conference will be held in July in
Braga, Portugal.
Objective:
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In 2024, 350
cities make up this network which aims towards a common objective of
placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development
plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.
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The UNESCO Creative Cities aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 11
through innovative thinking and action to benefit communities at the urban
level.
Significance:
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UNESCO Creative Cities pledge to share best
practices and develop partnerships involving public and private sectors as well
as civil society to strengthen the creation, production, and distribution of
cultural activities.
Other Indian Cities in
the UCCN: