25.10.2022
Alingua
Kraków seems to never reveal all of its secrets. Even those who have been wandering the streets of the city for many years find it challenging to explore all the enigmas. And while it could be hard to keep it a secret that Kraków belongs to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, activities undertaken within the programme remain a mystery to many. It’s been nearly ten years since Kraków has been officially named the UNESCO City of Literature; over the decade, the city has completed multiple projects linked to widely understood creative endeavours. From literature, through folk art, to gastronomy, both Cracovians and tourists can make the most of programme-related opportunities. What is UNESCO Creative Cities Network? Established in 2004, the programme aims at supporting cooperation between cities that centre their development around creativity. Culture is the main focus of activity for 246 member cities, with city authorities’ striving to create and spread artwork, promote creative projects, develop new career paths in the art sector, as well as make culture more accessible. Within the framework of the programme it is easier for Kraków to engage in dialogue with local institutions, as well as international partner cities. What are the main programme-related projects handled by Kraków? The former capital city focuses mainly on promoting its literary heritage, popularising reading, as well as providing support for local initiatives concerning the publishing industry. Kraków, the City of Literature: events, festivals, creative residence programmes The year unfolds to the rhythm of two main events: Conrad Festival and Miłosz Festival. The latter is held simultaneously with the Kraków International Book Fair, an event that makes not only publishers, but also readers from all over the world visit southern Poland. Both festivals aspire to familiarise broader audience with various aspects of literary works, as well as visual arts, cinema, and translation. These are presented by artists and content creators whose ideas are both familiar and distant to our cultural heritage. The activities…