A meeting of the Network of Creative Cities of Croatia was held in the City Hall of Varaždin, organized by the Association of Cities and IMAGINATION – an association for creativity and social development. This significant event brought together representatives of member cities and new members to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation in the fields of creative economy, cultural tourism, and sustainable urban development.
Varaždin, a city with a rich musical and cultural heritage, stood out as the host of the meeting, further solidifying its status as a UNESCO Creative City. The meeting was attended by Jelena Toth, Director of the Tourist Board of the City of Varaždin, and Dorotea Solomun, President of the Commission “Varaždin – UNESCO City of Music”. Ivana Nikolić, President of the IMAGINATION Association, presented the importance of developing the creative potential of cities, while Lucija Prstec Smolčec, Project Manager, introduced the Creative Cities of Croatia project, emphasizing the plans for 2025, its significance for Croatian cities, and its contribution to their development.
“Varaždin has always been a city of rich cultural heritage, and now, through the Creative Cities initiative, we are further strengthening our position on the European cultural map. The synergy of art, tourism, and the creative industry is key to sustainable development and enhancing the city’s recognition as a center of innovation and inspiration,” emphasized Jelena Toth, Director of the Tourist Board of the City of Varaždin.
Dorotea Solomun, President of the Commission “Varaždin – UNESCO City of Music,” added: “Creative cities are not just places of artistic expression but also spaces of innovation, growth, and social cohesion. This meeting has shown how culture and creativity can drive community development, opening up new opportunities for collaboration and strengthening our city’s cultural identity.”
The Network of Creative Cities of Croatia was founded in 2017 to improve the quality of life in urban areas through the development of innovative and unique projects that strengthen the recognition and identity of cities. A special emphasis is placed on utilizing resources from the creative and cultural industries, arts, and cultural heritage, which together form Europe’s key competitive advantages.
During the pandemic, the network’s activities were temporarily halted, but they are now resuming with great enthusiasm.
Currently, the network includes 33 cities out of a total of 128 Croatian cities, and with the relaunch of this valuable initiative, new members are expected to join.
So far, 23 workshops have been held in 10 cities through the network.
