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Graz is the first Austrian city to apply to UNESCO for City of Design status.The City of Graz has applied to UNESCO for City of Design status. The official application was submitted to UNESCO on 28th July 2009. The related magazine Wir Bewerben Uns is now available for the public to read. It contains the complete text of the application, and with its 250 pages and over 350 pictures represents a snapshot of the city. The city has impressively demonstrated its creative potential and is confidently putting itself forward as a candidate for UNESCO City of Design status.  Why that is, what City of Design represents and the opportunities that a successful application will bring are explained below.
 
The application follows a joint initiative by the Styrian government’s holder of the Economy and Innovation portfolio, Dr Christian Buchmann, and Graz mayor Mag. Siegfried Nagl, who are both solid supporters of the creative economy. The Styrian government’s Business Department laid the foundation stone by setting up and funding Creative Industries Styria GmbH to draw up the application. For the City of Graz and Styria as a business location, design now features very high on the agenda. The application is an important step in the development of the region, with the objective of further boosting its international positioning and networking.

The next steps
With the submission of the application documents to UNESCO, Graz acquired Candidate status. The decision about admission to the UNESCO network of creative cities is due to be taken within a year.