Gdańsk Gdańsk – City of Literature

GDAŃSK – CITY OF LITERATURE

by Marta Formella | www.gdansk.pl

Photo: Dominik Paszliński/www.gdansk.pl

“Firmin” is one of a few small but atmospheric bookstores in Gdańsk.

The Gdańsk Reading Development Program, the modernization of library branches, four automated bookstores are just some of the activities that develop reading among the inhabitants of the city. Also, Gdańsk has been invited to apply to the UNESCO Cities of Literature network.

Increasing the cultural activity of residents and participation in culture, e.g. through programs promoting reading has already been defined in the Development Strategy of the City of Gdańsk ”Gdańsk 2030” and in operational goals for 2023. Hence the city has been involved in numerous activities supporting artists, libraries, organizers of cultural events, intimate bookstores, and above all, readers and their access to literature.

– Promoting reading in our city is one of the most important cultural tasks of Gdańsk. Reading develops sensitivity, but also builds a more engaged, better educated society. As a consequence, the ability to commune with literature improves the quality of many areas of life, says Barbara Frydrych, director of the Mayor’s Office for Culture. - That is why we were so pleased with the invitation to apply to the UNESCO Creative Cities network in the field of literature. Supporting literature in Gdańsk is already happening, and now it has a chance to be embedded in an international network.

The development of the creative sector related to belonging to the network may affect the tourist attractiveness of Gdańsk. The organizers of the Creative Cities Network program also emphasize the pro-development potential of the title for many sectors of the economy. For the residents of Gdańsk, it is an opportunity to identify with the city’s literariness, as well as to participate in entertaining and educational literary events addressed to various audiences, including marginalized groups.

Launched in May this year, the Gdańsk City of Literature program is a cultural commitment of Gdańsk, which results from the conviction of the city authorities that book culture, as well as people creating and using literature, need and deserve systemic support.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network program was established in 2004 to support the cooperation of cities that recognize creativity and the development of cultural industries as a strategic factor for sustainable development.

The aim of the program is to increase public awareness of the importance of culture and its potential in various areas of social life, including the economy, to foster the emergence of innovative centers of creativity, cultural goods and services, and to increase access to and participation in culture. By joining the Network, cities reaffirm their commitment to developing partnerships, promoting creativity, sharing best practices and strengthening citizens’ participation in cultural life.