This is also where we find the appropriate digital environment we need to develop communications strategies with our finger on the pulse. In December 2014, Linz was accepted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which links forward-looking cities and metropolises around the world in the seven creative industries of literature, film, music, crafts and folk arts, design, gastronomy and, of course, media arts, and has since held the title of "UNESCO City of Media Arts". This is both an award and a mandate - for the development of Linz and the region towards an even stronger positioning on media art and as a creative economic center of Austria. At the same time, it is in line with the goals of the current cultural development plan to continue to push internationalization and engage in networks even after the successful Capital of Culture year 2009. Thanks to its pioneering role in the field of digital media art and culturally oriented urban development, Linz can contribute a great deal of know-how and many years of experience to the network and continue to make its mark as a "creative center of Europe" in a targeted manner in the international competition among cities and regions.

Linz in the network of creative cities

Since 2004, cities from all over the world have been able to apply for inclusion in UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. 69 cities worldwide now belong to this network. It is intended to facilitate the development of existing potential, promote the domestic and international development of cultural products, create additional jobs and promote the social and economic development of the city.

Linz is joined by seven other cities that can call themselves "UNESCO City of Media Arts." Enghien-les-Bains and Lyon (France), Sapporo (Japan) and, since December 1, Dakar (Senegal), Gwangju (South Korea), Tel Aviv-Yafo (Israel) and York (Great Britain).

Rainer Reichl