Creative State of Mind campaign highlights Geelong’s UNESCO status

THE City of Greater Geelong has marked its place in Victoria’s UNESCO Creative City network in a new initiative that underscores its role alongside Melbourne, Ballarat, and Bendigo.

The campaign, named “Creative State of Mind,” illustrates Victoria’s unique status as the only state worldwide to host four UNESCO Creative Cities.

The new digital marketing campaign, launched by the Victorian Creative Cities Network, showcases Victoria’s contributions to Literature in Melbourne, Design in Geelong, Craft & Folk Art in Ballarat, and Gastronomy in Bendigo.

Mayor Trent Sullivan highlighted the importance of this network in fostering economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefits.

“The City of Greater Geelong is committed to leveraging creativity and innovation to build a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive city,” he said.

“Our community’s vision is for Greater Geelong to be internationally recognised as a clever and creative city-region by 2047, and our designation as a Creative City propels us towards that goal.”

A UNESCO Creative City is defined as one that places creativity and cultural industries at the heart of its development plans at the local level and cooperates actively at the international level.

There are 350 such cities worldwide, spanning seven creative fields.

Thirteen per cent of employment in major cities globally is accounted for in the cultural and creative industries.

Geelong has been Australia’s only City of Design for nearly a decade, reflecting its commitment to creativity and innovation.

The city annually hosts Geelong Design Week, celebrating design’s role in driving sustainable and innovative practices.

“Looking ahead, we remain committed to collaborating with our fellow creative cities – Ballarat, Bendigo, and Melbourne – to push boundaries, inspire one another, and shape a brighter future through creativity and innovation,” Sullivan said.

This revised version integrates the additional detail about the campaign’s wordplay, enhancing the article’s relevance and appeal.