York Prepares to Celebrate 10 Years as a UNESCO City of Media Arts
York, UK – This week, global creative industry leaders will gather in the city of York to celebrate its ten-year anniversary as a UNESCO City of Media Arts. York is one of 26 cities worldwide to have received this prestigious designation and is the only city in the UK to hold the title.
The milestone anniversary coincides with the 14th annual Aesthetica Short Film Festival, an event that showcases and unites independent film, VR, and gaming industries from around the world. This year, the festival will also feature the first-ever UNESCO EXPO in York, bringing together leading media arts cities from across Europe, including Braga (Portugal), Linz (Austria), and Oulu (Finland). The EXPO will explore how the UNESCO designation has driven cultural investment and sparked creative opportunities in these cities.
Taking place in various venues throughout York from November 6th to 10th, the festival will welcome attendees and participants from over 60 countries. Industry leaders from well-known organizations such as the New York Times, Aardman, and Ridley Scott Associates will share their expertise through workshops and panel discussions.
Claire Foale, Interim Director of City Development, expressed her excitement for the festival, stating, “On behalf of the council, I’d like to warmly welcome delegates from across the world to York – a city that blends a rich sense of history with a forward-looking and innovative spirit, making it one of the UK’s most exciting places for creative investment.” Foale also noted that the festival has been supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, enabling Aesthetica to make cutting-edge culture accessible to all.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to get involved with the festival and enjoy the world-class talent and creativity on display in York this week. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Aesthetica Short Film Festival website.
ENDS
