York Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary as UNESCO City of Media Arts

This prestigious designation, awarded in 2014, recognizes the city’s global contributions to film, television, digital arts, games, and design. As one of just 26 cities worldwide holding this title, York has solidified its place as a leading player in the international creative economy. The upcoming celebrations in November mark a milestone in York's journey, showcasing its achievements and fostering future collaborations on a global scale.

The anniversary week, running from November 1st, will see a series of events that promise to highlight York's role in shaping the global media arts landscape. The UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO is the flagship event, where York’s creative talent will be showcased to both national and international audiences. The celebration will culminate in a special networking lunch at the University of York, followed by the highly anticipated Reignite VI event on November 7th, held at the historic Tempest Anderson Hall in Museum Gardens.

International Guests: A Global Perspective on Media Arts

The Reignite VI event will feature an impressive line-up of speakers from fellow UNESCO Creative Cities of Media Arts, each bringing unique perspectives from across the world. Joana Miranda, from Braga, Portugal, is one of the prominent speakers.

Joana leads cultural innovation projects in Braga, where she is the driving force behind the city’s cultural and creative sector through her work at Faz Cultura, the Braga Municipal Company of Culture. She oversees CIRCUITO, an educational program, and INDEX, an International Biennale of Art and Technology, which connects the worlds of art, science, and technology. Joana’s leadership in hosting the 2024 UNESCO Creative Cities Network annual meeting—which welcomed 600 delegates from 250 cities—has positioned her as a global advocate for youth participation and innovation in the arts. Her insights into international cultural partnerships and the future of media arts will be invaluable to attendees.

Christoph Kremer, Managing Director of the Ars Electronica Center in Linz, Austria, is a leading voice in science communication and digital culture. With a background in law and extensive experience in cultural management, Christoph has directed numerous transnational projects that blend art, technology, and society. At Ars Electronica, he has pioneered initiatives that explore the future of media arts and digital expression, fostering global collaborations. His participation at Reignite VI offers a unique perspective on how cities like Linz and York can drive innovation in the arts through public engagement and cutting-edge technology.

Also speaking at the event is Sami Ylisaari Director of Arts and Culture for Oulu, Finland. Sami’s extensive career in the creative sector, including his leadership roles in museums, libraries, and the Oulu Symphony, makes him a key figure in Oulu's cultural development. He is Oulu’s representative in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and has forged strong international networks across the creative industries. His contribution to the event will focus on the transformative power of media arts and the role of cities in nurturing creative ecosystems.

York’s Role in the Global Creative Economy

York’s designation as a UNESCO City of Media Arts has propelled it into the forefront of the global creative economy. The city’s creative industries contribute to the UK’s cultural and
economic landscape, which generates £109 billion annually and employs 2.3 million people.
From film and TV production to digital arts and gaming, York’s creative output is on a par with other major global hubs in the sector, including Austin, Texas, and Toronto, Canada.

As a leader in media arts, York’s influence stretches beyond its borders, with its achievements in fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration inspiring cities across the world. The 10th anniversary events, particularly the UNESCO City of Media Arts EXPO and Reignite VI, provide an unparalleled platform for the city to showcase its work and strengthen its international partnerships.

Attendees at these events will have the opportunity to engage with leading figures from the media arts sector, explore cutting-edge projects, and form strategic collaborations that will continue to drive the creative industries forward. The anniversary celebration represents not only a reflection on York’s past successes but also a catalyst for future growth in the creative economy.

Also taking place that week is the York UNESCO EXPO https://mediacityexpo.com and the Aesthetica Short Film Festival https://www.asff.co.uk.

The Reignite VI event is sponsored by the University of York, the York Bid, City of York Council, York St John University, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and Make it York and is organised by Aesthetica Magazine.