PERTH has become the first city in the UK to become a Unesco City of Crafts and Folk Art.
Following a highly competitive bidding process, Perth has joined the established Creative City network of 50 countries across the world, including Jaipur, Cairo and Carrera, in celebrating craft.
The Perth bid focused on the importance of craft to the history and heritage of the city, which was known as Craftistown from the early 16th century because of the importance of its trade and guilds. The creative industry sector is still growing today.
The bid also highlighted the climate change challenge as the city aims to include craft as part of plans to reuse, recycle and meet carbon-neutral commitments. It is hoped that becoming a Unesco city will have a positive impact on the city and surrounding region as it is a world recognised badge of quality, a driver of funding streams and a way of creating new commercial and learning opportunities.
The bid centred on Perth itself but the designation will include the whole of Perth and Kinross.
“This is a tremendous accolade for Perth and I am delighted we are now part of Unesco’s Creative Cities Network, as well as the UK’s first City of Craft and Folk Art,” said Perth and Kinross Council leader Murray Lyle. “There are wonderful examples of craft all around us in Perth and Kinross and I am sure this award will lead and inspire even greater creativity.”
James Bridge, chief executive and secretary-general of the UK’s National Commission for Unesco, congratulated Perth on the designation. “Known for over 500 years as a centre of craft production and trade, the city’s new UNESCO status pays homage to the heritage of Perth and carries forward the traditions of its makers and practitioners into the future,” he said.
“Perth Creative City, by joining the growing family of Scottish Unesco designations and using the Unesco network and name, will help make an even more positive difference to the lives of its communities.”
Perth’s Unesco recognition means it joins Dundee as City of Design, Edinburgh as City of Literature and Glasgow as City of Music.
“Located in the heart of Scotland, Perth’s status as an historic centre of excellence for the trade and production of crafts has been recognised on a global scale for the first time,” said Karen Merkel, of the UK National Commission for Unesco.
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