In 2016, the topic ‘culture and creative economy’ has been recognised as one of the main priorities in the ASEM cultural agenda. Based on that the relation between global development of creative cities and the rise of creative economy will be the focus of the upcoming 7th ASEM Cultural Ministers’ Meeting (ASEM CMM7). This will also be an opportunity to look at cultural heritage and high technology as tools to boost a positive dialogue among Asian and European countries.
Outcomes of the 8th ASEF Public Forum on Creative Cities in Asia and Europe, which took place on 24 November 2015 in Gwangju, Korea, will be part of the recommendations for the 1st Senior Officials Meeting on 2 February 2016 in Gwangju. This SOM is organised to prepare the consultations for ASEM CMM7 to be held in June 2016, in Korea.
Some of the outcomes from the 8th ASEF Public Forum are highlighted below:
According to the panellists of the Forum, cities today are trying to overcome inter-regional, cross-sectorial and inter-generational barriers, while including ‘culture’ in their political and economic agenda. This has been the case of European and Asian capitals of culture. As living laboratories for cultural incubation, cities show the ability to be more adaptable and responsive than countries. When it comes to policy-making, their cultural institutions are increasingly been looked at as leadership models, with their ability to connect with local communities and the fast changing society. Cultural leaders and practitioners are promoting public-private partnership demonstrating the positive outcomes of engaging stakeholders for sustainable development of cities. Cultural networks have been addressed as an adaptive solution to promote inter-cultural understanding and existing models such as the Asia-Europe Museum Network (ASEMUS) has been recognised for its pivotal role in promoting dialogue between the two regions.
Click here to read the full 8th ASEF Public Forum report.