Rabat – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated Casablanca and Ouarzazate as creative cities on Tuesday, highlighting the cities’ thriving cultural scenes.”
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was established in 2004 with the primary objective of promoting collaboration both within and among cities that have recognized creativity as a pivotal element in achieving long-term and sustainable urban development.
“Casablanca thus becomes a Creative City in the field of digital arts, thanks to the abundance of initiatives that exist there, while Ouarzazate becomes a Creative City in the Film category,” Eric Falt. Regional Director at UNESCO’s Maghreb office, said.
The recognition of Casablanca as a Creative City in digital arts highlights its many initiatives in the field and its potential to inspire other cities in the digital realm.
Ouarzazate’s designation in film acknowledges its role as a backdrop for several renowned films and its importance in the global film industry.
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network encompasses nearly 300 cities worldwide, all of which prioritize cultural industries as a central element of their strategic development initiatives.
Within this network, cities are grouped into seven distinct categories, each of which represents a unique creative aspect.
Tetouan earned a designation in 2017 in the crafts and popular arts category, while Essaouira was recognized in the music category in 2019.
These designations also position Moroccan cities as ambassadors of creativity in their respective fields, showcasing their potential for cultural and economic development while enhancing their global standing.
