Key West Awaits UNESCO Decision on Creative City of Literature Bid

Key West and New Orleans are the only U.S. cities up for UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, highlighting the island’s literary and cultural legacy.

Just a few of the authors that helped put Key West on the literary map in 1984; Back row - James Merrill, Evan Rhoads, Edward Howar, Allison Laurie, Shel Silverstein,Bill Manville,Joseph Lash,Arnold Sondguard,John Williams, Richard Wilbur, James Boatwright. Middle row - Bill Wright,John Ciardi,David Kaufelt,Philip Caputo, Philip Burton, John Malcom Brinnin. Front - Susan Nadler, Thomas McGuane. / DON KINCAID

The Old Island Restoration Foundation (OIRF) says Key West has reached a historic milestone in its bid to become a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, with the island and New Orleans chosen as the only two U.S. cities endorsed by the State Department to advance to the global competition.

In a letter to UNESCO Advisory Committee members, the OIRF board, and donors, OIRF President and UNESCO Committee Chair Nance Frank said the effort reflects years of collaboration to highlight Key West’s “literary legacy, cultural vibrancy, civic pride, and intangible heritage.” UNESCO is expected to announce the newest Creative Cities on World Cities Day, Oct. 31.

Frank emphasized that, regardless of the outcome, the campaign has strengthened cultural partnerships and reinforced long-term commitments to education, artist residencies, and regional collaboration.

According to research cited by OIRF, cultural organizations in the Keys support roughly 2,200 full-time jobs and generate $41 million in annual household income, underscoring the economic and social importance of the arts.

“Whatever tomorrow brings, we look forward to continuing this work—together,” Frank wrote.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.