Nelson is a step closer to being internationally recognised for our arts and crafts after the announcement last week that the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO has endorsed our expression of interest in becoming a UNESCO Creative City.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that promotes international co-operation and helps protect culture and heritage. Its Creative Cities Network includes more than 400 cities globally that have distinctive creative sectors in eight different fields – architecture, crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media and music.
There are over 10,000 cities in the world, many much larger than Nelson. We need to take every opportunity to define and build our identity. Four characteristics that make Nelson special are our exceptional climate; our parks and nature; our marine sector and our strong arts and crafts sector.
The idea to seek UNESCO recognition came from the City Revitalisation Summit in 2024. There was strong advocacy by then Deputy Mayor Rohan O’Neill-Stevens, Chamber of Commerce CEO Ali Boswijk, former Councillor Rachel Sanson, then Councillor (now Deputy Mayor) Pete Rainey and former and current Councillor Matty Anderson.
Council unanimously endorsed the idea at the beginning of 2025, but we are not there yet. The next stage is for us to work with the New Zealand National Commission on our formal application. Our aim is a positive decision in 2027.
Nelson’s credentials in gaining this recognition are strong. In addition to early Māori creativity, nowhere has heritage facilities like our Suter Art Gallery, Theatre Royal and Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. Jewellery and Clay weeks highlight our crafts. Our arts festival, currently underway, is amongst NZ’s longest running. Our new Arts Development Agency, Hiwa, along with our new Arts Hub, Tāwera, show our ongoing commitment to grow our creative sector.
Our goal in securing UNESCO status as a Creative City is to strengthen Nelson’s diverse arts sector whether it be painters, potters, carvers, jewellers, actors, musicians, dancers or comedians. We also believe there are tourism benefits and social benefits for young and old in being a city renowned for its arts and crafts.
