Joining a network of creative cities

Having been designated a Unesco Creative City of Design, Singapore is now connected to a network of countries that share its interest in capitalising on and growing the creative sector.

"We can learn from one another, exchange expertise and take design to the next level. Together, we can collaborate to contribute to global developments in design," explained Mr Jeffrey Ho, who is the executive director of the DesignSingapore Council.

Plans are already in the works for collaborative events and initiatives that encourage the sharing of both knowledge and talent.

For instance, over the next four years, Singapore will play host to the annual Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) meeting.

The city-state has also committed to hosting a workshop on how design can help address some of the challenges the world faces.

Other key design-related events that Singapore will host include the following:

Creative Design City Showcase@ National Design Centre

Over the next four years, the National Design Centre will host an exhibition featuring creative cities. They could include either Unesco's Creative Cities of Design or an emerging creative city from the Asean region.

Such an exhibition would allow international cities to showcase their creative and cultural assets, as well as gain exposure to the Asean region through Singapore.

At the same time, Singaporeans and other visitors to the exhibition would be able to learn about the creative industries of the cities that are featured.

The three-year-old National Design Centre will also organise other international exhibitions that strengthen international relations, facilitate exchange and promote greater understanding among cities and countries through design.

UCCN Cities at Singapore Design Week

Now in its third year, Singapore Design Week is well-regarded as a platform for knowledge exchanges. It organises and curates more than 75 local and international activities for the design community, businesses, students and the public.

SingaPlural, the Design Week's anchor event, aims to promote local design talents from a wide range of creative industries.

This year's Singapore Design Week, to be held from March 8 to 20, will also include the President's Design Award 10th Anniversary Exhibition, Maison&Objet Asia 2016 and the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016.

From this year, both UCCN cities and other cities in the Asean region will be invited to participate in this premier event.

They will also be able to network with members of Singapore's creative industries with a view towards future collaboration, partnerships and talent exchange.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 23, 2016, with the headline Joining a network of creative cities. Subscribe