An Overview of WCCF

• The World Cities Culture Forum was founded in 2012 in London with just 8 member cities.
• As of April 2021, the WCCF boasts 43 member cities.
• Purpose of WFFC: The forum enables policy makers of member cities to share research and intelligence, and discuss the crucial role of culture in their future prosperity.
• All activities within the WCCF are coordinated by BOP Consulting, an organization that measures the importance and impact of culture and creativity to inform policy decisions.

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How does the WCCF Function?

The WCCF functions through collaboration among its members, facilitated via a range of events including themed symposia, regional summits, and workshops. These events contribute to the annual World Cities Culture Summit. Held in a different member city each year, this unique gathering allows city leaders to exchange ideas and knowledge about the role of culture in shaping sustainable future cities.

The Importance of WCCF

With rapid urbanization, it is estimated that by 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population will reside in cities. Governments are grappling with increasingly complex challenges due to this swift change. Many key policy issues of our time, from addressing climate change to promoting social equality, are being tackled at the city level rather than the national level.

As urban populations continue to grow, city leaders face the challenge of maintaining their city’s unique character, attracting businesses and skilled jobs, and remaining resilient and adaptable in the face of change. Members of the WCCF share the belief that culture is the key to their future as sustainable urban centers.

WCCF – Member Cities

As of April 2021, the following 43 cities are members of the World Cities Culture Forum:

World Cities Culture Summit

Representatives from all member cities meet annually at the World Cities Culture Summit to discuss a selected theme. The theme for the 2021 World Cities Culture Summit is 'The Future of Culture'.

The last summit took place in Lisbon from October 23 to 25, 2019.

There are several other Important International Summits that candidates can learn about in detail, along with their themes, venues, and other relevant information.

World Cities Culture Finance Report

• The World Cities Culture Finance Report is the first global comparative study to examine how much is spent on culture in world cities, who provides the funding, and where the funding is allocated.
• Over 60% of all direct public funding for culture is provided by city and local governments.
• In cities in the United States, culture funding primarily comes from private donations. Outside of the US, with the exception of Tokyo, no other city receives more than 19% of its culture funding from private sources.
• Chinese cities are placing a greater emphasis on investing in newer and more commercial cultural forms, particularly in the creative industries.
• In the US and UK, private donations to culture are primarily made by individuals, while in Asia, corporations dominate private giving.
• Indirect public funding, including tax breaks and fiscal incentives, is growing in importance. There is a need for cities to better capture and measure the impact of this type of funding.

For more information, visit the List of Important Reports Published by International Organizations .

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Culture in World Cities

• The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the cultural sector worldwide, and cities have had to respond swiftly.
• 90% of countries with World Heritage Sites have closed or partially closed their sites to the public.
• Public spaces and cultural infrastructure, from museums and libraries to art galleries, theaters, and music venues, were abruptly shut down due to the unprecedented lockdown conditions across the world.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) has estimated that 13% of museums around the world may close permanently, and has placed workers in the "arts, entertainment and recreation, and other services" in a medium-high risk category.