Dublin has joined Edinburgh, Iowa City, and Melbourne in the ranks of UNESCO’s Cities of Literature within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
The announcement was made today by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, who said ‘I am absolutely delighted about this achievement – which confirms what Dubliners have known for years – this is a city that has always produced – and continues to produce – great writers.’
A new website has been launched with news and information about the designation and literature events in Dublin city at DublinCityOfLiterature.ie
Dublin’s designation is only the fourth such award. It follows a campaign headed by Dublin City Libraries that drew upon the support and expertise of the city’s literary, arts, tourism, publishing and political resources and organisations.
Cities hoping to qualify for the award must meet the following criterea:
- * Quality, quantity and diversity of editorial initiatives and publishing houses
* Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature in primary and secondary schools as well as universities
* Urban environment in which literature, drama and/or poetry play an integral role;
* Experience in hosting literary events and festivals aiming at promoting domestic and foreign literature;
Libraries, bookstores and public or private cultural centres dedicated to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of domestic and foreign literature
* Active effort by the publishing sector to translate literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature
* Active involvement of media, including new media, in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products
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