Twenty two cities argue for culture in public policy

Twenty two cities are taking part in the second World Cities Culture Summit at which they will argue that culture is integral to public policy. This summit follows last year’s inaugural meeting in London, organised under the World Cities Culture Forum. With 22 cities now involved, an update to last year's World Cities Culture Report has been produced to coincide with the summit. Originally initiated by the Mayor of London, the forum was founded to highlight the important contribution of culture to the economic and social success of world cities. The rapid growth in membership of the World Cities Culture Forum, from 12 to 22, demonstrates widespread acknowledgement that culture is central to a city’s success. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “More than 50 per cent of the world’s population is based in cities and culture is a major reason why people gravitate to them – to live, work or visit. It is also hugely important to the economy, creating jobs and attracting tourists. Overseas visitors going to cultural institutions generate an estimated £3 billion to our city’s economy and almost 80 per cent of overseas visitors say culture is a key reason to come here. Culture is the lifeblood of cities, adding to their excitement and the quality of life for those of us who reside in them, but also adding to their distinctiveness on the global stage, and it is critical that we keep it high on the policy agenda.”