5th World Cities Culture Report Reveals Culture Is Driving Urban Innovation Worldwide

Cities around the world are putting culture at the centre of recovery and innovation, our new report shows. New data from the 5th Edition of the World Cities Culture Report shows that cultural participation is rebounding strongly, creative spaces are being protected, and the night-time economy has become a mainstream policy focus for global cities.

Published by the World Cities Culture Forum, the Report is the world’s most comprehensive dataset on culture in cities — tracking global trends, sharing policy insights, and highlighting how culture strengthens communities and economies. Published every three years, it is widely used by policymakers, researchers, and media to track trends and inform policy. 

Key findings show that culture is driving recovery and resilience at a time of global instability, with cities at the forefront of innovation and leadership. The Report identifies key trends in urban policy in global cities including cultural tourism, AI and creativity, climate action and the night-time economy. 

The role of the World Cities Culture Forum is more important than ever. Our cities represent 260 million people, welcome over 1.3 billion tourists, and are home to 89 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 120, 329 heritage and historical sites.  

With trust between nations under strain, cities are emerging as connectors across borders, and culture is at the heart of these exchanges. As the leading network for cities and culture, the World Cities Culture Forum supports cities to scale up local innovations, from the adoption of the night-time economy in cities worldwide to the establishment of Creative Land Trusts to protect space for culture in cities like London, Sydney and Austin.  

“By sharing data, insights, and best practice from our network of over 45 cities, this Report provides a vital tool for city leaders to measure cultural provision, participation, and impact, and to inform future policymaking”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, London and Founder, World Cities Culture Forum

The Report highlights the trends shaping world cities and shares practical solutions to today’s challenges including: 

• Creative Workspace – Rising rents and rapid urbanisation continue to displace artists and creatives. In order to attract and retain talent, 94% of cities are now actively protecting creative workspaces. 

• Climate and Culture – Culture is emerging as a powerful tool in climate action, with 88% of cities driving collaboration between culture and climate.  

• Night-time Economy – Once overlooked, the night-time economy is now widely recognised as a mainstream policy area with 97% of cities supporting night-time economy and 59% with a dedicated night-time economy strategy. 

• Youth and Education – Cities are focusing on the next generation and creative skills, vital for the AI era, with 78% of cities integrating arts and creativity into primary and secondary schools and 97% of cities with initiatives that support creative education and youth participation.  

• Tourism – Our cities welcome 1.3 billion visitors, and over a quarter of cities have introduced tourism taxes to reinvest in culture. Cultural tourism accounts for 40% of global tourism (UNESCO 2021) and 66% of our cities see sustainable tourism as a key priority. 

REPORT POLICY INSIGHT CHAPTERS:

Reclaiming space for culture: Cities get behind artists and creatives

Global cities are working to protect creative spaces, from artist studios to rehearsal spaces, recognising their vital importance to retain creative talent and keep cities exciting

From Climate Anxiety To Climate Action: Cities Take The Lead

Global climate action is entering a new phase that recognises the essential role of people, values and imagination – and can have culture a major role.

Night Time Economy

Towards 24 Hour Cities: Innovation In Culture After Dark

From Melbourne to Montréal, cities are recognising that what happens after dark is an integral part of their identity, culture and economy.

The importance of cultural education to cities

Digital technologies, especially AI, are reshaping the skills we need to thrive. This chapter reflects on education and youth engagement in cultural activities.

The launch coincides with the 14th World Cities Culture Summit, hosted by the city of Amsterdam, which convenes 55 of the world’s largest creative cities across six continents. Under the theme “Stronger Together: Culture in a Changing World,” city leaders will explore how culture can address global challenges—from climate change and generative AI to sustainable tourism—to make cities more inclusive, liveable, and prosperous. 

The 5th Edition of the World Cities Culture Report is now available in a new digital format.  It features a new Data Explorer tool for cities and researchers to search data in a user-friendly, interactive and visual way. The digital Report is available in multiple languages and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Programme. 

The Report is informed by a detailed survey of World Cities Culture Forum city partners and over 125 new case studies of cultural projects in action. City projects are available to view and help city makers inform policymaking in their cities.

Justine Simons, OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, London; Founder, World Cities Culture Forum, said: “I’m delighted to introduce the 5th Edition of the World Cities Culture Report, our flagship publication and the most comprehensive global dataset on culture in cities. By sharing data, insights, and best practice from our network of over 45 cities, this Report provides a vital tool for city leaders to measure cultural provision, participation, and impact, and to inform future policymaking” 

Read the full World Cities Culture Report: 5th Edition