Rovaniemi named one of the first Unesco Creative Cities for Architecture

The UNESCO Creative Cities network (UCCN) brings together a total of 408 cities from over 100 countries, all of which promote creativity as a driver of sustainable development in their own unique ways. The network spans eight creative fields, with Rovaniemi being accepted as one of the world’s first members in the architecture category. Other Finnish cities in the network include Helsinki (design), Oulu (media arts), and Kuhmo (literature).

Rovaniemi’s Mayor, Ulla-Kirsikka Vainio, believes that membership in the network will boost the city’s cultural tourism, describing the acceptance as a wonderful final milestone for Rovaniemi’s Alvar Aalto year.

By joining the network, cities commit to sharing best practices, developing partnerships, promoting creativity and cultural sectors, and strengthening participation in cultural life. Additionally, the aim is to integrate culture into urban development plans.

The network also pledges to support the United Nations’ goals, particularly the sustainable development goals outlined in Agenda 2030.

The preparations were led by Rovaniemi’s Leisure Services Manager, Merja Tervo. Tervo explains that membership is not automatic, but the result of a thorough preparation process, which included detailed presentations of the city’s architectural sites. Peer review discussions were also held with the Finnish Unesco committee and with cities already in the network.

According to Tervo, the application process offered a fresh perspective on the city. She adds that it also highlighted how widely the stories of rebuilt Rovaniemi and its residents capture international interest. “Now it’s time to plan future activities with new, exciting partners,” Tervo says.

Katja Rakkolainen, Rovaniemi’s cultural producer who was closely involved in the application process, notes that interaction with other UCCN cities has brought both inspiration and insights, as well as pride in her own city’s expertise.