The International Award UCLG – Mexico City – Culture 21 recognises cities and individuals that contributed to culture as a key dimension in sustainable cities. The 5th edition of the Award specifically aimed to recognise best practices that promoted cultural rights in the context of the COVID-19 crisis and post-pandemic recovery, and/or promoted culture as an important part of the caring system. From 15 February to 22 April 2022, 101 candidacies from cities and local or regional governments were submitted, 21 of which were from the Asia-Pacific region, namely: Adelaide, Bandung, Bhopal, Busan, Catbalogan, Gimhae, Gunsan, Incheon, Iriga, Jeju, Jinju, Makati, Melbourne, Qingdao, Rajkot, Siheung-Si, Songpa-Gu, Suwon, Suzhou, Taichung, and Xi’an.
The cities of Bandung, Busan, and Jinju received Special Mentions. Bandung’s Hutan Menyala (Glowing Forest) provided an audiovisual experience in an area of the Tahura Djuanda (Djuanda Forest Park). It showcased the wisdom and balance of the natural ecosystem, providing entertainment and education using a combination of digital technology and traditional elements. Busan’s Galmaetgil Project promoted culture in its urban trails. Galmaetgil, meaning beautiful trails in Busan, is a combination of the Korean words Galmaeggi meaning seagulls which are Busan’s symbol, and Gil meaning roads. Jinju’s Art Delivery Project brought cultural performances to rural areas, thereby allowing the people to enjoy their cultural rights.
Several best actions were also selected from the candidacies which will become good practices in the OBS, UCLG Culture Committee’s database. The Innovative Sparks Category included Adelaide, Bandung, Busan, Incheon, Jinju, Melbourne, Siheung-Si, Songpa-Gu, Suwon, and Xi’an. The Planning with Care category included Gimhae, Gunsan, Iriga, Jeju, and Makati.
The winners of the 5th edition of the International Award UCLG – Mexico City – Culture 21 in the category “City / Local or Regional Government” were Buenos Aires with the project “Abasto Cultural neighbourhood: Economic Boost and Urban Generation” and Dublin City with the initiative “’AWE’ – Cultural Engagement through Accessibility, Wellbeing and Evidence.” In the category “Individual”, the winners are Dr. Lourdes Arizpe and Dr. Daisy Fancourt.
The Award Ceremony will be held in Mexico City in the context of Mondiacult 2022 from 28th to 30th September 2022.
