Since 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities program has been connecting cities around the world that have recognised culture and the creative industries as a driving force for future-proof, sustainable urban development. Today, 350 cities in more than 100 countries are active in the Creative Cities network, including the seven German cities of Berlin, Bremen, Hanover, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Mannheim and Potsdam. The member cities are centres of excellence in one of seven areas: design, film, gastronomy, crafts, literature, media arts or music.
The recently released publication by the German Commission for UNESCO provides a brief but informative overview of the activities, initiatives and goals of the seven German cities in the network. The brochure (in German) can be viewed here.