Manchester joins UNESCO Cities of Literature network

A consortium, including Manchester City Council, has been successful in its bid to join global UNESCO Cities of Literature network and promote the region’s literary status.

The consortium, which also included the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the Manchester Literature Festival, will now lead a programme of cultural events and community writing projects, ranging from a libraries festival and the establishment of a new writers’ hub to support for new writing, promoting writing in translation, music and words.

Manchester will join other cities, including Baghdad, Dublin, Barcelona, Prague, Melbourne, and Reykjavik in the global network.

Luthfur Rahman, executive member for Schools, Culture and Leisure, said: “We are extremely proud to become a UNESCO City of Literature, as we recognise the power of words to promote greater understanding, well-being and learning across our proudly diverse city. Building on the strong foundations of Manchester’s rich literary history, the council and our partners from the city’s universities and literary community will work together to create a programme of events which gives all of Manchester’s residents the chance to participate in and benefit from this thriving City of Literature.”

For more information, visit www.manchestercityofliterature.com.