Geelong to attract an international audience with UNESCO Cities of Design

THE City of Greater Geelong has come out on top in a bid to host the 2021 UNESCO Cities of Design Subnetwork Meeting.

Following four weeks of deliberation, Geelong was selected ahead of 39 international cities as the host for the major event taking place from 10-12 October 2021.

The event will see the City collaborate with local stakeholders, such as Business Events Geelong to showcase the regions design and creativity.

After joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2017, Geelong now has the opportunity to present itself to a large international audience.

“We are excited to start putting together an inspiring agenda that showcases the design capabilities of our region to the rest of the world,” Mayor Stephanie Asher said.

With global aspirations for Geelong, Cr Asher lead Council bidding to bring the major event to the community.

“Bidding for this event was a goal identified in our Council Plan, so we are thrilled not only to have successfully put in a bid, but to have been selected as the 2021 host,” she said.

“Geelong is rapidly becoming a globally-renowned City of Design, with so many exciting projects underway, as well as a cleaver and creative vision for our future.”

In light of potential COVID-19 impacts the City has put forth three options ranging from an in-person meet to an entirely virtual event.

Council will continue to work with the Cities of Design Coordinators over the next six months to determine the best way to deliver the event while taking Geelong global.

“As a community, we have so much to be proud of, and I look forward to sharing our design credentials and achievements to an international audience” Cr Asher said.