Since 2018 we have been supporting the evolution of the Tianfu Symposium in Chengdu. Created to exchange ideas around the role of culture & creative industries in developing the creative economy of cities and fostering international trade, the symposium ignites cultural exchange among cities worldwide.

Now, inspired by the policy-oriented approach of this symposium, the World Conference on Cultural Cities has emerged, building upon Tianfu’s foundation. Hosted over the course of a week, both Co-founder Paul Owens and Consultant Genevieve Marciniak represented BOP at the conference discussing the pivotal role cities play in the global economy.

Genevieve led a round-table on the role of design in cross-cultural exchange and collaboration across sectors, while Paul introduced City as Creative Platform, a City Ideas - commissioned study, spotlighting nine creative city hubs and the unique features that set them apart as thriving creative places.

Through case studies of Auckland, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Austin, Montreal, Manchester, Berlin, and Barcelona, the report identifies the seven common features of cities that excel as creative platforms, outlining challenges and opportunities that growing cities like Chengdu face as they continue to develop their creative economy. 

It was a pleasure to be back in China, collaborating and exchanging ideas with colleagues from around the world on how cities are transforming the world’s cultural geography through design, digitisation, and globalisation.

Read the full report below.