The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Tel Aviv as a member of its “Creative Cities” Network on Monday.
The Jerusalem Post reports:
“Tel Aviv’s entrance to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network reflects the world’s recognition of the city’s contribution to the present and the future – recognition of Tel Aviv as a vibrant center of cultural creation and breakthrough technology, the creative industries and the focus of the original visionary scene of digital innovation and initiatives,” said Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai.
The media arts designation, previously shared by Lyon and Enghien-les-bains in France and Sapporo, Japan, looks at how digital technology and media can improve urban life and how digital platforms can enhance cultural access. Other cities designated in the category Monday included Dakar, Senegal; Gwangju, South Korea; Linz, Austria and York in the UK.
According to the UNESCO website, joining the network means “cities commit to collaborate and develop partnerships with a view to promoting creativity and cultural industries, to share best practices, to strengthen participation in cultural life, and to integrate culture in economic and social development plans.”
Last month, Tel Aviv won the World Smart Cities Award at the Smart City Expo World in Barcelona. The smart city designation was recognition of what Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai called the city’s “digital revolution,” represented by its Digi-tel platform for residents.
The flagship project of the city’s efforts is the pioneering Digi-Tel platform, a residents’ membership club and app that provides individually tailored, location-specific information and services.
The platform creates a direct connection between the city and its residents, providing services ranging from neighborhood road works alerts to discounts, offers and information based upon individual interests.Over 90,000 residents have signed up for the membership club to date, Israeli Ynet news site reported.
[Photo: VisitTelAviv / YouTube ]