From 24 to 27 September, Paducah, United States of America, hosted representatives from eight UNESCO Creative Cities, as well as special guests, for the first Annual Meeting of the Crafts and Folk Art sub-network. The holding of this encounter gave the opportunities for member cities to exchange best practices and to discover more about Paducah’s creative culture.

Over three days, participants discussed best practices that integrate culture and creativity as enablers for building city identity, driving strategic and economic development and urban revitalization; an agenda developed in line with the local implementation of the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The meeting consisted in plenary sessions featuring expert speakers, creative field workshops, as well as thematic study tours. Delegations also exhibited native crafts and art works in “Pride of Place” event, at Paducah School of Art & Design.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Paducah Declaration, which carries forward the productive work of the meeting delegates: a vision and action plan on how culture and creativity will be used to create a sustainable future with crafts and folk art as specific drivers. The declaration also includes reflections on themes and best practices discussed in the plenary sessions, conclusions of the creative field workshops led by Italian urban planner Maurizio Carta and hands-on study tours.