World Cities Culture Forum is the leading global network of cities placing culture at the heart of city planning, investment and the future of urban life.
Photo credit: Jorrit Lousberg/Light at Work Photography
Founded in 2012, World Cities Culture Forum brings together civic leaders from over 50 creative cities across six continents – representing a combined population of more than 260 million people. Together, we share ideas, exchange policies and build the evidence base for culture as a driving force behind equitable, prosperous and sustainable cities.
We have established the principle that culture is a golden thread running through city life – sustaining communities, improving health and wellbeing, attracting visitors and powering economies. At a moment when cities face unprecedented pressures, from the climate crisis to rapid technological change and growing inequality, we provide a global platform for civic leaders shaping the world.
OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
Vision
- We are building a world where culture is at the heart of thriving cities.
Mission
- We are civic leaders sharing our best ideas to accelerate change and improve lives.
- Together, we are meeting the challenges of the 21st century by placing culture at the heart of our cities.
Values
- We believe in the power of culture to transform people, place and planet.
- We empower global civic leaders to create the equitable, prosperous and sustainable global cities of the future.
- We are generous with our ideas and collaborate to drive change.
WHAT WE DO
We work at three levels
From civic leaders to entire cities and the global stage, our work is designed to create change, amplifying culture’s role in world cities.
City leaders — We empower civic leaders
The most effective cultural policies are driven by leaders with the skills, networks and knowledge to make the case for culture at the highest levels of city government. We provide the tools and connections to make that happen.
Cities – We share policies with a track record of success
Great cultural policies shouldn’t stay in the cities that created them. We make it possible for cities to learn directly from one another – identifying what works, understanding why, and accelerating the pathways to replicate it.
Global voice – We champion culture as a global force for good
No single city can shift global policy alone. Together, our network uses data, evidence and collective civic influence to make the case for culture at the international level.
The World Cities Culture Report
Founded and led by civic leaders
World Cities Culture Forum was founded by Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is the Charity’s Patron. The Charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and advisory groups led by our cities.
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