BREAKING: Key West Misses Out on UNESCO Creative City Designation, Eyes 2029 Comeback
Organizers vow to refine Key West’s next UNESCO bid and congratulate New Orleans on its 2025 selection.
Key West’s bid to be named a UNESCO Creative City of Literature fell short this year, but organizers say the effort is far from over.
In an email to supporters Friday, Nance Frank and members of the Key West UNESCO Committee thanked donors, cultural partners, and city officials who helped advance the island’s 2025 application.
“While we were not selected in this cycle, we remain deeply committed to this goal,” Frank wrote. “Over the next four years, we will continue working closely with our community and city leaders to strengthen our prospects and deepen the cultural collaborations that define Key West’s creative spirit.”
Frank said the city’s creative community — including writers, artists, performers, curators, and cultural institutions — “not only enrich the soul of Key West, but drive tourism, generate jobs, educate, and foster innovation.”
Key West was one of only two U.S. cities endorsed by the U.S. Department of State to advance to the global competition. The other, New Orleans, succeeded — earning designation as a Creative City of Music.
“We are inspired by the strong support shown by the City of New Orleans for the selection of their city’s proposal,” Frank said. “Their success offers a valuable model, and we know New Orleans will continue to work with us on our next application.”
UNESCO announced 58 new member cities on World Cities Day, Oct. 30, expanding its Creative Cities Network to 408 members across more than 100 countries. For the first time, the program included “Architecture” among its official creative categories, joining Literature, Music, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Media Arts, and Crafts.
Key West is truly a city of culture, and our literary past runs deep. I’m sure there are very skilled folks working on this venture. I have experience writing UN proposals and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate on our 2029 bid. Please keep me in mind or put me in touch. Let’s not miss it this next time. Also, don’t forget the female writers!!