press release: Graz as

On 28th July 2009, the City of Graz submitted its official application to UNESCO for City of Design status. The city is thus applying to join the ranks of a particularly exclusive circle – the UNESCO network of creative cities – with a wealth of initiatives for the economy and tourism in Graz and Styria. The application outlines the principles threads of development in the city since the 1960s, and in the 230 pages of its application, backed up by 350 illustrations, presents a snapshot of the city that impressively demonstrates the city’s creative potential and justifies its confidence in putting itself forward as a potential City of Design.

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.