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08 Nov 2017

Amarante, Barcelos and Braga join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Among the 64 cities that were recently included on the list of UNESCO Creative Cities there are three new Portuguese cities: Barcelos, Braga and Amarante.

Barcelos is the first Portuguese city in the category of Crafts and Folk Art, which continues the effort that has been made to develop and appreciate the local material and immaterial heritage. The city is a reference in crafts where good practices, the strengthening of techniques and know-how have been acquired and developed over the centuries. This incorporation will help to promote artistic activity, enhance the traditional creative workshops and support the new generations of craftspeople.

In the Media Arts category, Braga is a leading creative city, where the intersection between art, science and technology is extended and deepened through civil society initiatives and the younger segments of the community. This recognition will facilitate the digital transformation of Braga, allowing the sharing of experiences and best practices, and encouraging the development of projects and partnerships with the other international members.

The wealth and diversity of musical expressions, from the most traditional and popular to the more contemporary were the reasons for naming Amarante as a Creative City of Music. Throughout history, music has been a key element in constructing the identity of the city, the areas in which the community lives and its cultural expression.

The Creative Cities Network created by UNESCO seeks to promote innovation and cultural creativity as key factors in sustainable urban development. Currently, the Network has a total of 180 cities in 72 countries, in the categories "Crafts and Folk Art", "Design", "Film", "Gastronomy", "Literature", "Music" and "Media Arts".

In 2015, Óbidos and Idanha-a-Velha were included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, in the areas of Literature and Music.