Unique cultural and ceramics heritage behind bid to join global creative city network

Stoke-on-Trent could soon join the likes of Casablanca, Rio and Cannes in an exclusive club of the world's creative powerhouses.

Cities in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network work together to drive economic growth and tourism.

Now Stoke-on-Trent is preparing a bid to join the network, based on its unique cultural heritage and global contribution to the ceramic industry.

It would be one of only 13 creative cities in the UK - and the first in the West Midlands.

The move is likely to raise Stoke-on-Trent's profile and worldwide reputation as a centre of creative excellence.

UNESCO research shows creative cities generate more innovation, growth and tourism - as well as being able to tap into support and expertise from some of the world's most famous cultural hotspots.

Membership would also be a gateway to a potential future bid for World Heritage Site status.

The Creative Cities Network started in 2004 to promote co-operation between cities where creativity is a crucial part of their heritage, identity, and economic future.

There are currently 350 members around the world, who work to a common goal: placing creativity and culture at the heart of their development plans.

Cities are accredited in one of four specialist fields. Stoke-on-Trent will likely bid under the "Craft and Folk Art" field.

That is for cities where "creativity has had a central role in the history and development of an area", and that "support traditional makers as well as paving the way for entrepreneurs and artisans through training programmes and designated support systems".

Network members around the world with Craft and Folk Art accreditation include Hoi An in Vietnam, Cairo in Egypt, and Como at the heart of Italy's textile valley.

The city council's cabinet will decide whether to press on with a bid when it meets later this month.

Any bid would be developed as a partnership with organisations like Stoke Creates and the city's two universities.

Success would help with ongoing work to protect and repurpose the city's enviable heritage buildings, as well as creating jobs and growth.

The Stoke-on-Trent bid would be prepared in time for the next round of applications in 2026.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Economic Development, Culture and Sport, said: “If successful with the bid, it would place Stoke-on-Trent in an elite league of creative cities – something we believe is not out of place given our cultural heritage and contribution to the ceramic industry worldwide.

“Working with partners, this bid would also provide exciting economic opportunities, the potential for job creation and would support us in preserving and repurposing our city’s enviable number of heritage buildings.”

Stoke Creates Founding Board Member Paul Williams said: “Having been designated as a World Craft City in 2024, Stoke-on-Trent is ideally placed to submit a successful application to become a UNESCO Creative City. 

"Achieving this accreditation offers unparalleled opportunities to capitalise on Stoke-on-Trent’s post-centenary cultural renown and creative talent to strengthen local economic and social development.”