Ayacucho

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2019

City presentation

Founded in 1539, Ayacucho is known as the “Capital City of Folk Art and Peruvian Craftsmanship.” This Andean city fosters cultural diversity and artistic creativity, developing 16 types of crafts, including retablo, tapestry, Huamanga stone carving, pottery, textiles, and embroidery.

Ayacucho’s local crafts and folk art are celebrated during festivals like Easter and Carnival, which blend music, cinema, theatre, and dance. Events such as the First Regional Meeting of Craftsmen in 2019 aim to promote growth by addressing issues in the industry.

The city also supports crafts through a symposium that led to the creation of a folk art museum, interpretation centers, and a dedicated budget. Ayacucho aims to improve the handicraft sector, promote crafts in local and international markets, teach folk art in schools, recover its cultural heritage, and provide youth internships in partnership with local universities.

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Caldas da Rainha

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2019

City presentation

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Durán

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2015

City presentation

Durán, known as the “Railway Town of Ecuador,” preserves its cultural heritage through the exchange of practices shaped by its historical role as the country’s first railroad hub. The city views culture and creativity as essential for collective memory, urban well-being, and social cohesion, especially through urban art.

Since 2007, the Festival Memories of the Railroad has honored former railway workers, inspiring projects like History on Frontages, where local artists paint murals depicting the city’s history. Another initiative, Youth for Human Rights, involves over 150 young artists, emphasizing civic awareness through art. Durán’s Cultural Nights project, supported by the municipality, promotes local art, while the Luis Sánchez Borja Convention Centre contributes to transforming this industrial city into a hub for creativity and cultural exchange.

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Hangzhou

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2012

City presentation

With a 5,000-year history, Hangzhou, one of China’s ancient capitals, has transformed by focusing on cultural and creative industries. Its rich history supports renowned crafts such as silk and tea production, as well as porcelain and bronze sculptures. As a historic center for Chinese silk, Hangzhou has preserved this craft heritage. Known as China’s “Tea Capital,” the city is famous for West Lake Longjing Green Tea. Additionally, the stone carvings by the Xiling Seal Engraver’s Society highlight Hangzhou’s enduring crafts tradition. Recognized as a “National Cultural and Creative Centre,” Hangzhou’s creative industries employ over 336,000 people and play a key role in the city’s economic and cultural development.

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Hoi An

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2023

City presentation

Hội An, located in Central Vietnam, is a beautiful city with an ancient town recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999; Chàm Islands – Hội An was recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2009; and the art of Bài Chòi in Central Vietnam, effectively practiced in Hội An, was recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. In 2023, Hội An joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Crafts and Folk Art.

Hội An’s intrinsic strength is the resonance of work, creativity, indigenous cultural values and the absorption of the quintessence from countries that have come to trade over the long periods. From experts, artists, intellectuals to workers, farmers, etc.; from indigenous communities to individuals from other places; they have all brought together the essence of labor, innovation and the determination to create a source of creativity for this land.

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Jacmel

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2014

City presentation

Jacmel, known for its rich heritage and vibrant carnival, takes pride in its history as a hospitable trading port. Following the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010, the city has focused on preserving its invaluable tangible and intangible heritage.
Jacmel promotes culture, traditions, art, and crafts, with the Carnival of Jacmel serving as a key driver of creative development through its deep-rooted local traditions in painting, sculpture, and papier-mâché. This event attracts thousands of visitors each year and emphasizes the importance of revitalizing Haiti’s cultural heritage. The “Destination Jacmel” initiative aims to restore and protect the historic center to enhance cultural tourism and preserve traditions for future generations. With artistic figures like painter Préfètte Duffaut and writer René Depestre, Jacmel embodies the motto “Jacmel, Sursum corda!”—a call to rise and celebrate its creative spirit.

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Jingdezhen

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2014

City presentation

Jingdezhen, often referred to as the “Porcelain Capital,” boasts a legacy of porcelain production that dates back over 1,700 years, making it China’s foremost ceramic production center. Renowned for high-quality porcelain, the city has historically facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges along the Silk Road.

In recent years, Jingdezhen has leveraged its cultural assets to organize prominent events in ceramic arts, such as the World Summit of Mayors from Ceramic Cities and the Jingdezhen International Ceramic Fair, promoting cultural heritage and diversity. These initiatives emphasize capacity building and international collaboration, particularly with Africa and the Arab States, establishing Jingdezhen as a vibrant creative city. As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Arts, Jingdezhen aims to foster exchanges among member cities, promote industrial cooperation, share creative processes, and host forums focused on the protection of intangible heritage and crafts.

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João Pessoa

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2017

City presentation

João Pessoa is the capital of Paraíba, in the northeast of Brazil. The third oldest city in the country, founded in 1585, it is also known as the “Gateway to the Sun” because it is located on the easternmost point of the Americas. A UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2017, it has been implementing various initiatives aimed at incorporating the concepts of creativity and innovation, as well as the transversality of segments, fostering the local economy and meeting the commitments made when the municipality joined the UCCN.

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Madaba

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2017

City presentation

Madaba, located 33 kilometers from Jordan’s capital and home to 180,000 inhabitants, is renowned as the “city of mosaics,” famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the oldest depiction of the Holy Land. The protection and restoration of these mosaics are vital to both citizens and local authorities, leading to a revival of mosaic handicrafts and the establishment of 150 workshops that provide 800 jobs.

The discovery of numerous mosaics through archaeological excavations led to the creation of the Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration, the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Supported by the Municipality, local mosaics have become an economic driver, facilitating international partnerships and events like the Mosaic Festival, launched in 2014. The city was designated as Mosaic City by the World Crafts Council in 2016. Collaborative efforts are also focused on training artisans in sustainable practices and improving their working conditions.

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Nakuru

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2021

City presentation

Nakuru, located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, is a city rich in cultural heritage, boasting a diverse array of cultural assets that foster creativity. The crafts and folk art sector features innovative artists working in sculpture, visual arts, beadwork, fabric design, metalwork, pottery, and storytelling, forming the backbone of Nakuru’s creative economy.

This economy encompasses thirteen creative sub-sectors that utilize culture as a strategic tool for economic growth. Recognizing the significance of creativity in development, Nakuru has launched hands-on programs to train professionals and build networks within the creative industries. Events like the Nakuru International Investment Conference and Nakuru Business Expo provide platforms for artists to showcase their work and attract investments. Moving forward, Nakuru plans to develop creative spaces such as cultural centers and art galleries, as well as establish a community festival to celebrate local heritage and promote inclusivity.

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Srinagar

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2021

City presentation

Srinagar, renowned for its handicrafts and handloom products, boasts a rich arts and crafts heritage dating back to the 14th century. The city is home to tens of thousands of artisans skilled in various crafts, creating a vibrant market that connects them directly with consumers and showcases their products. The handicraft sector plays a vital role in the local economy, generating income, fostering community well-being, and creating employment opportunities. Enhanced marketing initiatives have further amplified this sector’s impact on Srinagar’s development.

As a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, Srinagar aims to improve the local living environment and infrastructure for creatives, with a special emphasis on supporting local artisans. The city also seeks to empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups by developing their craft skills, while promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and information dissemination within the creative field.

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Surakarta

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2023

City presentation

Surakarta, a city rich in cultural assets and a vibrant creative economy, boasts 387 ateliers and 1,081 artists across various artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, painting, and sculpture. The city’s commitment to nurturing talent is evident through established training spaces for crafts and folk arts. Since 1910, Surakarta has organized folk art performances, notably the Wayang Orang Opera, at the Sriwedari Wayang Orang Building, making it a hub for folk art. Neighborhood pavilions facilitate regular training and performances, while larger venues host grand productions like the Ramayana Dance Drama.

Renowned for its traditional batik textile production, Surakarta is home to 192 batik workshops and two significant batik villages. The government supports this creative sector by providing instruments for local music activities. Rooted in the history of the Mataram kingdom, Surakarta maintains strong ties to Javanese culture, thriving in performing arts, crafts, culinary, and fashion, despite pandemic challenges. Between 2020 and 2022, the city hosted 84 creative economy events and plans at least 48 for 2023.

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Umngeni Howick

City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2023

City presentation

Umngeni Howick, located along the Midlands Meander tourist route in South Africa, is home to over 170 craftspeople working in diverse fields such as ceramics and sculpture. The city and the nation actively support its artisans through initiatives like the Zulu Mphopomeni Tourism Enterprise programme, which is community-led and aims to ensure the economic sustainability of craftspeople while revitalizing Zulu culture. In collaboration with the Midlands Meander association, Umngeni Howick and the nation have trained 50 craftspeople and are planning to launch an online platform to help artisans sell their products.

As a UNESCO Creative City, Umngeni Howick is focused on elevating local crafts through events like the planned Indaba craft festival, modeled after Cape Town’s Indaba design festival. This initiative aims to highlight local talent and foster intercultural dialogue by inviting craftspeople from other Creative Cities. Another planned festival will celebrate craftspeople preserving Zulu cultural heritage, aligning the city and the nation with UNESCO’s efforts to support indigenous communities.

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