2023

CHAMPIONING‘LOCAL’CULTURE AND
ECONOMYWhite Paper.

DisclaimerT

he views, opinions, positions and recommendations expressed in this White Paper are solely those of the authors, task
force members and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U20 or any of its chairs, conveners, andpartners. Many of the references in this White Paper will direct the reader to sites operated by third parties. Neither
the institutions nor the authors of this White Paper have reviewed all of the information on these sites or the accuracy orreliability of any information, data, opinions, advice or statements on these sites.

The White paper should be referenced as follows:
Urban 20 (2023) “Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy”, India

Championing‘Local’ Culture
and Economy
White Paper

Table of Contents

01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08

Exploring the Essence of ‘Local’:Defining the Key Elements
Championing ‘Local’ Culture andEconomy: A Path to Sustainable
Development
Challenges in Fostering ‘Local’ Culture
and Economy
Policy Recommendations and Related
Actions
Conclusion
Annexure
Glossary: Useful Terms
BibliographyAbbreviations
CSO
CBO
COVID-19
CCI
GI
GOI
NGO
SCIC
SDGs
TDR
UCC
UCLG
UN
UNCTAD
UNESCO
UNDP

Civil Society Organisation
Community-Based Organisations
Coronavirus Disease 2019
Cultural and Creative Industries
Geographical Indication
Government of India
Non-governmental Organisations
Shanghai Creative Industry Centre
Sustainable Development Goals
Transferable Development Rights
Uganda Communications Commission
United Cities and Local Government
United Nations
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
United Nations Development ProgrammeContributors
TECHNICAL ADVISORS
Hitesh Vaidya
Director, National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), India

Kanak Tiwari
Programme DirectoWr - Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India
Head - Urban 20 (U20) Technical Secretariat

Nilesh Prakash Rajadhyaksha
Programme Director - Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India
Head - Urban 20 (U20) Technical Secretariat

TASK FORCE MEMBERS
Ruchi Gupta (Convener)
Team Lead, Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India

Jordi Pascual
UCLG Culture Committee

Kinjal Sampat
Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru, India

KT Ravindran
School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, India

Manu Mahajan
School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, India

Prasad Shetty
School of Environment and Architecture, Mumbai, India

Rajeev Sethi
Asian Heritage Foundation, New Delhi, India

Shikha Jain
Dronah, New Delhi, India

Shveta Mathur
ARUP, New Delhi, India

Vijaya Amujure
INTACH, New Delhi, India
8

Urban 20 2023 White Paper

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS
Enrico E. Bertacchini
University of Torino, Turin, Italy

Gurmeet S. Rai
Cultural Resource Conservation Initiative, New Delhi, India

Jagan Shah
Artha Centre for Emerging Cities, Mumbai, India

Laila Tyabji
Dastkar, New Delhi, India

RESEARCH TEAM
Apoorv Agrawal
Young Fellow, NIUA, India

Kapil Kumar
Associate, Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India

Raman Kumar Singh
Sr. Urban Development Specialist, Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India

Vignesvar J.
Associate, Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India

Nimisha Jha
Team Lead, U20 Unit, NIUA, India

DESIGN TEAM
Kaveri Bahure
Research Associate, Climate Centre for Cities, NIUA, India

Kapil Kumar
Associate, Urban Strategy Unit, NIUA, India

Apoorv Agrawal
Young Fellow, NIUA, India

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

9

01/
Exploring the Essence of ‘Local’:Defining the Key Elements
1.1 Setting the ContextThroughout history, culture has acted as a unifying
force, seamlessly binding communities and instilling a
sense of collective identity. It has served as a medium
of expression, instrumental in conveying communities’
beliefs, ideas, and emotions within their shared “form of life.”
Culture is that vital thread that intertwines and forms thesocial fabric of communities, creating a tapestry of common
human relationships. Here, epistemology, which concerns
the study of knowledge and how we acquire it, is theunderlying principle in defining local culture from multiple
perspectives. It plays a crucial role in shaping knowledge
systems, cultural views, intergenerational knowledge
exchange, and community empowerment, all essential fortransforming local culture into identity. Epistemology andculture are interrelated and mutually influential, impacting
each other significantly. Therefore, comprehending theconnection between the two deepens our understanding of
how knowledge is formed, exchanged, and within diverse
societies.
While the embedded culture defines the identity of aplace, it is also essential to acknowledge that the identities
are dynamic and ever-evolving. Sometimes, the identityof a specific area may change or alter due to external
influences and consequently bring about a change in theperception and experience of the local culture too. For
instance, Varanasi (Banaras) in India is renowned for its
cultural heritage, which shapes its local identity and defines
its local economy. Another example is Florence, which iswell-known for its historical buildings, art and architecture,
all of which have cultural significance. Bengaluru, on theother hand, has developed a new identity as the Silicon
Valley of India primarily due to the emergence of specific
IT related economic activities and entrepreneurial spirit.
This has resulted in a new kind of culture responding to
the needs of young professionals employed in the IT sector
such as eateries serving local as well as global cuisine,
spaces for contemporary performances and recreational
activities across the city. Another example is Seattle, which
has gained recognition as a central hub for technology
and innovation, particularly in software development andonline retail. It illustrates how local identity formation canstem from diverse sources, and in turn adds to the existing
10

Urban 20 2023 White Paper‘culture’ of a place, resulting in a unique fusion of existingand new cultural and economic factors, every combinationdifferent in different contexts.
Therefore, while it is critical to understand that eachnation, region, or city possesses a unique culture that
represents its distinct identity and reflects the essence of its
specific location, the key is not to overlook the inevitabilityof transformations and changes within these culturalcontexts. It is also important to acknowledge that thesetransformations can be associated with the place’s culture
in some cases, such as through extensions or modern
adaptations, while in other cases, they may be entirely
different. Regardless, these transformations are choices
people make, whether willingly or under the influenceof external factors. In such circumstances, it becomes
inevitable to identify elements that need to be preserved
and embraced for the future and to take actions that ensuresustainability and survival.
‘Culture’ plays a dual role - On the one hand, it acts as
the ‘driver’ of development and on the other, it plays therole of an ‘enabler’. While it enables the growth of local
economic activities, cultural and creative industries, leading
to employment and economic benefits in producing new
creative ideas or technologies, it also empowers people totake ownership of their development processes (UNESCO,2013). Also, while there are certain national and regional
identities, the strongest ones are those that are at the local
level as cultural practices are linked with particular people
and their surroundings. Therefore, action at the local level isof utmost attention if the intention is to impact people’s lives
and livelihood positively.
What is the advantage of championing local culture andeconomy? The need stems from the understanding thatindustrialisation coupled with globalisation has led to thehomogenisation of cultures and the loss of local traditions,customs, and businesses and all places have started
looking the same everywhere. Therefore, during global
downturns, there is growing advocacy among individuals
and communities to prioritise locally rooted experiences,products, and services to attain long-term resilience.
Additionally, the local knowledge system possessed bycommunities also provides solutions to many modern-day1.3 Connecting ‘Local’ Culture and
Identity to Economy

challenges. This represents a community’s tacit knowledge,
which can also be considered a living heritage and should
be cherished.
The paper aims to establish the essence of local culturethat shapes identity and how we can foster local culture
and economies for long-term resilience, sustainability andcontinuance. It also presents the associated challenges
and puts forward policy recommendations and actions toachieve the above objectives.

1.2 Classifying ‘Local’At the onset, it is vital to understand what one means by
the term ‘local.’ Different typologies have varying impacts
on the culture that ultimately shapes identity. The following
typologies for ‘local’ are defined in the paper:

Spatial Scale: It defines ‘local’ by considering the areaor spatial extent or size of the community or place.
An identity changes shape depending on the spatial
threshold at which it is observed; hence, it is vital todifferentiate between neighbourhood, city, regional,
and even greater scales, giving a framework forunderstanding the opportunities and challenges of local
identities.
Geographical Setting: Here ’local’ is defined on thebasis of factors such as geography, topography,
natural resources, and climate, all of which form aparticular area or region’s unique characteristics andcultural practices. It gives insights into how physicalsurroundings have shaped and fostered local identities.
Skill: It serves as a typology to define ‘local’ identities byemphasising the distinctive expertise and knowledge
connected with a particular community. It includes
specialised trades, professions, crafts and traditional
knowledge systems acquired or passed down throughgenerations, all contributing to the uniqueness of local
identities.

In the literature, a distinction is made between tangible
heritage, such as built heritage, crafts, performance, visual
arts, etc. and intangible heritage, including oral tradition,
expression, rituals, language, social practices etc. (UNESCO,2013). However, in the context of local identity, bothcontribute to the overall perception and understandingof a specific place or community. Therefore, this paper
advocates adopting a more comprehensive and unified
understanding of local identity, encompassing tangible andintangible heritage.

The interplay between ‘local’ culture and identity and theirrelationship with the economy is essential to establish.
It allows us to uncover the dynamic interactions andinfluences among these elements. By examining how local
culture and identity shape economic activities, we gain
insights into how cultural practices, values, and traditions
contribute to the socioeconomic fabric of a community or
region. This exploration enables us to grasp the multifaceted
nature of the relationship, highlighting the significance of
cultural heritage, creative industries, and local knowledge
systems in driving economic growth, fostering innovation,and shaping sustainable development.
However, not all cultural practices are necessarily associatedwith economic value. The Mexican Papel Picado Banner
is an illustrative case with a celebratory and joyous
atmosphere, bringing beauty and elegance to essential
occasions. Another example is making Rangoli/Kollam, a
traditional Indian art form that uses coloured sand or rice
flour to adorn the floors in front of houses, especially insome areas of southern India. While this daily ritual andpractice contributes to a sense of place and identity and is
an important marker of the culture, it does not reflect any
significant economic impact. Nevertheless, it remains asignificant aspect of the local identity.
Local culture and identity can generate significant
economic value when harnessed to create unique products,
services, or experiences consumers seek. It gives rise to aconcept gaining traction worldwide: “creative and cultural
economies”, which refers to economic activities andenterprises anchored in cultural and artistic expression.
These industries use a community’s or region’s uniquecultural history, traditional expertise, and creative abilities tocreate innovative and marketable goods and services.
The notion of what comprises the creative economy iscontinually budding. As a result, different terminologies
are used across the world, such as “creative economy,”“creative industries,” “cultural industries,” and so on, whichreflect diverse analytical perspectives. Some of these are as
follows:

Creative Economy: The UNCTAD definition of creative
economy “refers to economic activities that generateor exploit knowledge and information with a creative
element. It encompasses multiple sectors: advertising,architecture, arts and crafts, design, film, music,
performing arts, publishing, software, and video games.
The creative economy is characterised by its relianceon intellectual property and the ability to create andmonetise intangible assets (UNCTAD, 2008; UNCTAD,
2010).”

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

11





Creative Industries: The UNCTAD definition of creative
industries is “a subset of the creative economy andprimarily focused on producing, distributing, andcommercialising creative goods and services. These
industries involve activities with a cultural, artistic, or
aesthetic dimension and are typically protected byintellectual property rights. The creative industries
encompass publishing, broadcasting, music, film
and video, visual arts and crafts, design, advertising,architecture, and software development (UNCTAD, 2008;
UNCTAD, 2010).”
Cultural Industries: The UNESCO definition of culturalindustries is “the productive domains encompassing
various fields such as music, art, writing, fashion,
design, and media industries. It involves producing andconsuming cultural expressions with economic value
while carrying significant social and cultural meanings.
This term has evolved from earlier critiques of art’s
commodification and has become recognised as apositive label in academia and policy-making circles(UNESCO, 2013).”

These definitions often blur the lines between “creative” and“culture” and are often used interchangeably. Consequently,
in 2009, UNESCO introduced the term “Cultural and Creative
Industries (CCI)” as a unified terminology to address thisissue and provide a unified framework (UNESCO, 2009).
The concept of CCI is developing globally, with ongoing
discussions contributing to improved opportunities.
Researchers worldwide have developed diverse models
tailored to the context of CCI. The figure below depicts theactivities that span cultural and creative sector viewpoints
to capture the field’s broad extent and diversity. Annexure
contains the additional models and concepts presented for
CCI and subfields.
While various models exist, each encompassing a wide
range of activities, no single model can be universally
applied to all areas. The determination of local culture
and identity depends on the stakeholders involved in the
discourse, including people (residents, visitors, activists,
grassroots movements, civil society organisations), culturalactors (both significant institutions and small organisations),
the media (local and national), and the government(local, state, and national levels). Engaging in democratic
discussions to collectively define CCI should be the preferredapproach. Recognising region specific cultural policies
as integral is vital in ensuring this democracy. It is crucial
to tailor CCI to specific contexts, and each country canformulate its unique definition of CCI. Moreover, it is essential
to pay special attention to smaller local economic activities
that may not fit within the conventional criteria of CCI but
contribute to the overall ecosystem of the local culture andeconomy.
A reciprocal relationship exists between the ‘cultural’ and‘creative’ domains, each influencing and fuelling the other.
Culture often acts as a catalyst for developing creative
industries and markets. However, there are also cases
where creativity can shape a particular area’s culture. For
example, places like Hauz Khas village in Delhi, India, orTimes Square in New York, USA, have transformed into
vibrant nightlife destinations featuring performances andCreative and Cultural Industries (CCI) and Subfields
Source: (UNESCO, The World Bank, 2021)

12

Urban 20 2023 White Paperartistic endeavours. This infusion of creative energy has
given birth to a unique culture within these localities andcontributed to the overall cultural fabric of the respective
areas. Besides, many local economic activities emerge
and benefit from this interaction in the context of local
culture and identity. For example, the fishing village
typology in Mumbai, India, while not classified as a CCI,
gives a unique identity to the region and is a significant
function that contributes significantly to the local economy.
Creative economy and these smaller local economic
activities together, produce an ecosystem that feeds on the
distinctiveness and authenticity of the local culture.
Therefore, it becomes evident that fostering local culture
and practices in diverse manifestations yields economic
advantages and promotes “social development,” thereby
enhancing the overall welfare and quality of life ofcommunities and individuals. The social benefits are harder
to quantify but are meaningful and desirable.

1.4 Viewing ‘Local’ Culture andEconomy through an Urban Lens
“The city as a whole functions as a sort of creative field – albeit
one that is also completely open to the rest of the world – inwhich multiple bits of information flow with special intensity
between the diverse units of economic and social activity
contained in the urban space.” (Scott, 1999)
As urban populations are projected to increase significantly,
reaching approximately 68% by 2030, cities will facesubstantial investments in urban planning, infrastructuredevelopment, and fostering local economic growth toaccommodate this rapid expansion (United Nations,2018). CCI and other local economic activities will serve asvital catalysts for cities to effectively address significant
challenges such as the ongoing global health crisis,
economic fluctuations, environmental changes, population
growth, and social complexities.
Urban areas have always been thriving hubs of innovationand progress. The relationship between culture and cities
is dynamic and multifaceted, profoundly impacting urban
environments’ social, economic, and physical aspects.
Culture plays a central role in shaping cities, while cities
provide a platform for expressing and developing diverse
cultural practices. The interconnectedness of these
local hubs is inseparable from and indeed driven by
their integration into the global economy as centres for
cultural generation, manufacturing, distribution, sharing,and consumption (Scott, 2008). However, it is essential
to note that culture, knowledge-based skills, and otherlocal economic activities extend beyond administrative
boundaries as rural areas also possess rich local knowledge,
skills, and craftsmanship. When examining the entire value
chain of any product or service, there is an interconnected
relationship with rural environments, either through forward
or backward linkages. Therefore, cultural and creative
domains and local economic activities encompass morethan just urban areas.
Considering that Urban 20 (U20) focuses on the challenges
urban areas face, this paper aims to establish a supportive
environment for CCI and local economic activities within theurban context.

1.5 Structure of the Paper
Against this background, the paper adopts the terminologyof “Culture and Creative Industries (CCI)” by (UNESCO, 2009;UNCTAD, 2022) to define the economic value associatedwith the local culture and identity of a place or community.
However, it focuses on the context-specific classificationof CCI and local economic activities to capture the true
essence.
The paper considers a city has multifaceted identities,
with the neighbourhoods as the fundamental unit ofcommonality. Therefore, the neighbourhood level isregarded as the scale for ‘local’. The paper aims tounderstand the challenges and provide recommendations
for creating an enabling environment for CCI and local
economic activities to thrive and contribute to the local
economy. Providing detailed guidelines on achieving thesegoals falls outside the paper’s scope, as it acknowledges
the variability of approaches due to context, geography,
institutional arrangements, and financial structures. The
paper is structured as follows:
Following the definition of the ‘local’ in section 1, section 2
examines the significance of fostering local identity and its
beneficial effects on the local economy. Section 3 explores
the specific challenges and issues related to the local
economy and culture. Section 4 presents a set of policy
recommendations to create an enabling environment topromote cultural and creative practices. Lastly, section 5
concludes the paper by emphasising that the sustainabilityof local identities can be achieved only by taking actions as
a part of “everyday life.”

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

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02/
Championing ‘Local’ Culture
and Economy: A Path to
Sustainable Development“Culture is the lens through which we shape our identity, fostering respect and tolerance
while embracing diversity. It catalyses economic growth, creating opportunities forlivelihoods and enhancing the well-being of individuals. Culture acts as a bridge, enabling
us to include and understand others, preserving our heritage as we navigate towards
the future. Empowering people through culture works hand in hand with development,
unlocking the full potential of individuals and communities alike.”1At a broader level, fostering local culture andeconomy offers three significant benefits: positive
developmental outcomes, a strengthened sense of
belonging, and projection of a particular kind of image. The
first advantage relates to fostering inclusive and equitablelocal economic development and promoting community
wealth-building. The second focusses on cultivating astrong sense of place and encouraging diverse and equitablecitizen participation in decision-making. Simultaneously,
the third benefit pertains to projecting a particular image
showcasing a community’s unique characteristics, values,
and assets. This approach highlights the importanceof sustainable and people-centric development,
acknowledging the role of culture and economy in shaping
holistic and resilient communities. It aligns with theprinciples outlined in the “Agenda 21 for Culture” by United
Cities and Local Government (UCLG), recognising culture
as a crucial pillar of sustainable development. The agendaemphasises integrating cultural aspects into development
frameworks, initiating a transformative process that
benefits both the local economy and the community(UCLG, 2015). Furthermore, it assures that individuals andcommunities have access to their cultural rights, which arenecessary for overall well-being.

fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders
and building an interconnected and locally responsive
economic ecosystem. It also encourages the deepening
and strengthening of the socio-political institutional
environment, promoting effective collaboration between
the public and private sectors. It also tailors markets tomeet specific local demands by fostering entrepreneurshipand supporting local businesses, which helps bring about
economic diversification in communities and reduce
external dependence. This localised approach allows forcreating goods and services that cater to the unique needs
and preferences of the community, fostering sustainability
and resilience.

2.1 Strengthening Economic Resilience

The well-known urbanist, Jane Jacobs, defineddevelopment as a “significant qualitative change.” In thissense, local economic development is that qualitativechange that contributes to the national economy andincreases community resilience (England, 2018). The key
point to acknowledge is that local economic development is

One notable advantage of local economic development is
its ability to act as a safeguard against significant economic
downturns experienced at the global and national levels.
The concept of “local” in the economic context involves

Furthermore, investing in local economic development
entails the establishment of infrastructure and mechanismsthat provide a safety net during times of crisis. By building
robust systems and networks, communities are better
equipped to withstand shocks and mitigate the adverse
effects of economic downturns. This includes mechanisms
for financial support, job creation, and social welfare
programs that help protect individuals and businesses
during challenging times.

1  Excerpt from the collaborative video statement by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and Helen Clark, Administrator of UNDP

14

Urban 20 2023 White Paperattributed to a strong local identity, which is vital in bringing
communities together and fostering the growth of valuable
skills and livelihoods. The transmission of shared knowledge
and skills across generations provides a firm basis forcommunities to rely upon, especially in crises or disasters,
ultimately strengthening their resilience compared tocommunities without similar experiences.
Moreover, the interaction between local economies andvarious sectors, such as urban planning and urban design,
tourism, and social innovation, enhances economic
resilience. Urban planning is pivotal in establishing thelink between local economies and the required markets.
It encompasses crucial aspects such as access, mobility,and physical infrastructure, which are fundamental forthese economies’ seamless functioning and expansion. By
providing well-designed urban spaces and efficient local
networks, urbandesign cultivates an environment that
fosters the development and growth of local businesses andcreative enterprises.
In addition, local economies present opportunities forenvironmentally conscious and sustainable living withincommunities. Growing trends such as locally sourced
food items, urban and rooftop gardening, homemade
goods, plastic-free packaging, and local-level composting
practices align with the principles of sustainable living andcan significantly impact urban lifestyles. These practices
contribute to environmental sustainability and create
economic opportunities for local communities, fostering
their resilience.
In summary, the interplay between local economic activities,
CCI, and sectors such as urban planning and design,
heritage conservation, tourism, and social innovation forma dynamic ecosystem that supports economic resilience.
By leveraging their unique cultural assets, embracing
sustainable practices, and collaborating with various
sectors, local economies can adapt, thrive, and contribute tocommunities’ overall resilience and vitality.

2.2 Localisation of Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
Championing local culture and economy offers anotheradvantage by facilitating the localisation of SDGs, which is
critical in achieving the global agenda of SDGs. Effectively
localising the SDGs involves recognising the uniquecharacteristics of a local area, including goals, targets, andimplementation methods. In this context, local practices
provide a practical approach by aligning global goals witha given location or community’s specific cultural, social,and economic settings. By incorporating local beliefs,
customs, and practices into SDG implementation, theobjectives remain relevant and meaningful to the local
community. This approach acknowledges the significanceof contextualising the goals within the local context to drive
sustainable development at the grassroots.
For example, in the southern region of India, thelong-standing tradition of using banana leaves to serve
food, even during special occasions and ceremonies,
exemplifies a close connection to SDG 13 (Climate action)and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production).
Similar instances can be observed worldwide, illustrating
the alignment between local practices and the SDGs. It is
crucial to actively encourage and promote such alignment
to drive sustainable development.
By using local culture to localise the SDGs, communities
can effectively engage and mobilise local stakeholders,draw on existing knowledge and practices, and design
strategies that resonate with their values and aspirations.
This approach increases ownership and commitment toachieving the SDGs and ensures that implementation
tactics are culturally relevant, leading to more sustainable
and meaningful outcomes. Leveraging local and indigenous
knowledge systems and local environmental management
practices can provide valuable insights and tools foraddressing ecological challenges, such as preventing
biodiversity loss, reducing land degradation, and mitigating
the effects of climate change. Encouraging communities
to identify such practices from their daily routines andfostering them as meaningful actions towards sustainability
is paramount. In the process, the local identities also get
nurtured.

2.3 Instilling a Sense of Place and Pride
Local culture and economy offer a significant advantage byinstilling a ‘sense of place and pride’ within the community.
This concept goes beyond an individual’s emotional
attachment to a specific location and encompasses thecollective emotions of the community. The perception ofa place is shaped by social factors and the relationships
people have with that place. However, in today’s increasingly
urbanising and globalising world, the importance of
cultural identity and the sense of place is often overlookedin how livelihoods and development are planned andconceptualised, leading to insufficient emphasis on thesocial fabric of cities (UNESCO, 2013). Patrick Geddes
had rightly stated that successful town planning mustencompass “folk planning,” emphasising the importance ofconsidering the community in planning processes (Shoshkes,
2017).
A robust local identity allows individuals to identify deeply
with their local culture, heritage, and traditions, creating astrong attachment to their surroundings and fostering a
sense of belonging. This sense of place nurtures collective
responsibility for the well-being and sustainability of thecommunity, helping to retain traditional skills, livelihoods
and talents. For instance, Cannes in France has recently
been designated a UNESCO Creative City in cinema. Whilethe city was initially renowned for its annual international
Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

15

film festival, it is now recognised as a global hub for
professionals and businesses in the creative audio-visual
sector. The Cannes city council allocates 16% of its operating
budget to create, promote, and disseminate artistic andcultural activities, fostering a sense of pride in residents.

2.4 Strengthening Resilience - The
Covid-19 Experience
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significant roleof local culture and economy in fostering resilience andrecovery. In response to the global economic downturn,
CCI and local economic activities have swiftly embraced
digital platforms and innovative approaches. Musicians
and artists, for instance, have turned to virtual concerts
and live-streamed performances to engage audiences andgenerate revenue. Moreover, communities worldwide havedemonstrated the value of localised solutions by leveraging
their cultural resources. Traditional crafts and fabrics, havebeen repurposed to produce face masks and protective
gear, ensuring personal safety while preserving local cultural
heritage and supporting livelihoods.

Despite physical distancing measures during Covid, virtual
museum tours, online art exhibitions, and digital storytelling
initiatives have allowed individuals to connect with theircultural history and feel a sense of pride in their localities.
The integration of local culture and economy contributed toeconomic resilience and served as a source of comfort andinspiration for the communities.
To summarise, local culture and economies help
communities become more inclusive, connected, andcollaborative. It aids in the diversification of production,
creates a competitive edge, attracts investment, stimulates
entrepreneurship and innovation, fosters traditional
know-how and frugal innovations, supports developmentof a resilient economy, and promotes cultural diversity andwell-being. Taking ownership strengthens the community’ssocial network and reinforces trust in public institutions,
resulting in inclusive social and economic development.

03/
Challenges in Fostering ‘Local’
Culture and EconomyPromoting local identity in terms of culture andeconomy is a complex endeavour that requires
collaboration among various stakeholders to address
the challenges of the rapidly evolving world. Communities
trying to enhance their unique cultural, social, andeconomic characteristics encounter multiple challenges. In
developing countries, the CCI and local economic activities
depend heavily on informal cultural systems, processes,
and institutions. Numerous creative practitioners, such asmusicians, artisans, performers, craftspeople, and evenprofessionals in design and technical fields, often operate
outside the scope of formal regulations and standardised
assessments. It is fair to assert that many cultural
enterprises function “off the books” (UNESCO, 2013).
One of the most significant yet unspoken challenges to local
identities is the lack of recognition. These unique identities
of a place, encompassing its cultural heritage and economic
contributions, frequently go unnoticed and undervalued. At
a broader level, being unacknowledged by the governmenttranslates into multiple challenges, ranging from limited
legislative support to insufficient funding and restricted
skill development schemes/ opportunities. The lack of

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Urban 20 2023 White Paper

legislative recognition hinders their adequate protection.
Lack of recognition by the market can marginalise local
businesses and creative endeavours, impeding theireconomic growth potential. The lack of spatial recognition,such as the allocation of physical spaces for CCI and local
economic activities, may restrict the creative expression andpreservation of local identity in alignment with a city’s vision
for urban planning. To address these challenges, an inclusive
approach is needed that appreciates and promotes thediverse and invaluable aspects of local culture and economy,aligning them with the government’s vision for sustainable
and inclusive development.
This paper discusses five fundamental and significant
challenges faced by the CCI and local economic activities.
Addressing these challenges can pave way towards
fostering local cultures, identities and economies.

3.1 Unmapped Cultural and Local
Economic Resources
One of the significant challenges in fostering local identity
is the lack of integration between cultural resources andurbanisation trajectories. It is one of the reasons thelinkage between the CCI, local economic activities andthe development of the cities remains untapped. Thisissue stems from the absence of meso-level urbanisation
thinking, specifically the lack of comprehensive urbanisation
policies. Without an appropriate framework, cultural andlocal economic activities in urban areas remain uncharted
and disconnected in both spatial and cultural policy
frameworks. These activities often exist in a city with asense of ambiguity, primarily because the development
machinery lacks a clear focus and direction due to theabsence of comprehensive plans. While heritage policies
attempt to map the cultural resources of cities, theirscope is often limited and driven primarily by tourism
motivations. The lack of mapping cultural resources andassets intensifies related issues such as the cataloguing andsystematic collection of sector data, prolonging a cycle ofneglect towards these valuable resources.
A mapping and review of the urban cultural ecosystem
would unveil hidden resources, deeply rooted traditions,and untapped cultural resources (UNESCO, The World Bank,2021). Additionally, this process can help identify barriers
to the emergence of new cultural and creative forms. The
first step in planning for a resilient and sustainable local
cultural ecosystem is strengthening institutional capacity,
enabling effective governance and coordination. Ultimately,
it is essential to incorporate cultural activities within
the framework of city urbanisation or cultural policies,
providing a legislative foundation for their development andintegration.

3.2 Impacts of Migration and Diaspora
Migration and diaspora present significant challenges infostering local culture and economies, affecting the placeof origin and destination. Its impact can be positive andnegative, influencing various aspects of cultural heritage,economic activities, and social dynamics.
In the place of origin, the migration of craftspeople to cities
for better economic opportunities can negatively affectlocal culture and economy. As craftspeople leave theircommunities, they often leave behind traditional cultural
practices associated with their craft. This leads to a lossof cultural heritage and a dilution of the local identity.
Moreover, the local economy, which relies on producing
and selling craft products for income and employment,
may suffer from the disruption caused by the migration ofcraftspeople, eventually leading to the loss of local identities.
On the other hand, at the place of destination, theinflux of migrants can bring about adverse effects.

Due to the dominant urban lifestyle and the need toadapt to the demands of the urban market, traditional
economic activities may give way to the establishmentof mass-produced kitsch markets. This shift can have anegative impact on the authenticity and uniqueness of local
cultural expressions.
However, migration and diaspora may also have positive
advantages, albeit in rare situations. Migrants who
successfully enter the urban market can better theirlifestyles and economic prospects. They may contribute to
the destination’s economic growth through their talents,
expertise, trade, investments, and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, remittances sent back to the place of origin
can be an essential revenue source and help local economic
growth. By recognising and addressing these complexities,
communities can strive to maintain their cultural heritage,strengthen their local identity, and foster sustainable
livelihoods for craftspeople.

3.3 Unintended Consequences ofTourism
The tourism sector serves as the cornerstone of the local
economy, playing a vital role in preserving cultural resources
and reviving cultural practices. However, the benefits
derived from tourism often give rise to the challenge ofover-tourism activities in many destinations. This challenge
can be examined from three distinct perspectives: theexpansion of the Kitsch market, the impact on working
conditions and environmental degradation.
Unattended tourism may present obstacles to conserving
local identity and cultural resources. As tourist numbers
escalate, there is a possible increased risk of diluting theauthenticity of cultural practices, traditions, and artefacts.
Commercialising and commodifying local culture maylead to losing its inherent value and eroding a community’s
distinctive essence. Furthermore, the emphasis on accruing
economic gains can overshadow the necessity of preserving
local identity. Focus on commercial interests undermines
the genuine representation of local traditions and erodes
the cultural heritage that defines a community’s uniqueness.
Therefore, over-tourism may lead to the homogenisationof cultural experiences, reducing them to simplistic
stereotypes.
Secondly, the excessive commercialisation of cultural
products, experiences, and services, primarily driven
by unattended tourism, has significant implications forthe working conditions within the related industries.
As the focus shifts towards catering to the increase,
there is often a neglect of the well-being and rightsof the individuals involved in these cultural/traditional
practices. The prevalence of informality in these sectors
further exacerbates the issue, as workers may lack legal
Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

17

protections, fair wages, and safe working conditions. It
compromises individuals’ physical and mental well-being
and perpetuates a cycle of occupational hazards andexploitation. Addressing these challenges and implementing
regulations promoting the safety and well-being of thoseengaged in the CCI is crucial, ensuring their contributions arevalued and protected.
Moreover, over-tourism significantly strains the naturalenvironment, posing challenges to preserving culturaland natural resources. The unregulated influx of visitors,
inadequate infrastructure, and unsustainable tourism
practices contribute to environmental degradation, including
pollution, habitat destruction, and the depletion of natural
resources. These ecological pressures adversely affectcultural landscapes, traditional agricultural practices, andthe overall sustainability of local communities. Additionally,
the surge in tourism disrupts local communities’ daily
life and social dynamics, thereby stemming the need for
responsible tourism practices.
The devastating flash floods in Kedarnath, India, in2013 were attributed, in part, to the consequences ofover-tourism (Gupta et al., 2018). The excessive influxof tourists to the region contributed to environmental
degradation, with infrastructure unable to handle thesudden surge in visitors. This imbalance between tourism
demand and inadequate infrastructure significantly
exacerbated the impact of flash floods. This exemplifies theneed for responsible tourism practices.
In contrast, Bhutan provides a remarkable illustration ofeffectively managing tourism activities while prioritising
environmental preservation. Despite the growing interestin the country, Bhutan’s constitutional mandate ofmaintaining a 60% green cover (at all times) showcases
its commitment to ecological sustainability (WWF, n.d.).
This emphasis on green cover preservation not only helps
mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on the ecosystembut also contributes to the conservation of Bhutan’s natural
beauty. Bhutan is an inspiring example of how responsible
environmental policies can coexist with tourism, ensuringlong-term sustainability and the protection of its uniquelandscapes.

3.4 Preservation Challenges in the
Digital Age
Technological progress and globalisation may alsosignificantly challenge local identity and cultural practices.
The widespread sharing and dissemination of culturalcontent in the digital realm can jeopardise authenticity
and misrepresent cultural traditions. Digitally mediatedrepresentations often fail to capture local cultural practices’
full richness, nuances, and embodied experiences, diluting
their significance and authenticity. Moreover, it is also
observed that technological advancements are frequently
used to replace traditional handcrafted processes in productdevelopment, leading to the complete loss of conventional
practices, meaning, and quality. This shift also disrupts the
livelihoods of traditional artisans.
Additionally, the ease of disseminating and reproducing
cultural content through technology raises concerns aboutprotecting the intellectual property and copyright oftraditional cultural expressions. Local communities may
face challenges in safeguarding their cultural practices
from misappropriation, unauthorised commercial use, anddistortion in the digital space. There is a need to embracetechnology in a way that enables the viability of the productwhile preserving the creative decision-making power of
the artisans. This approach allows for the expansion andflourishing of crafts, ultimately leading to their recognitionand value in the market.

3.5 Limited Collaborative Efforts
The lack of collaborative efforts to promote local identities
hinders their visibility in the national and global market,
leading to a decline in economic value. Moreover, thescarcity of information about the agglomeration of local
identities in a region results in limited awareness andunderstanding of the region’s diverse products, services,and experiences. Thus, efforts to support these identities
remain piecemeal, lacking a holistic approach to developing
connectivity and linkages. This fragmentation hampers
the collective growth and economic synergy that could beachieved through collaboration and mutual support. By
fostering better information exchange and collaboration,
local identities can collectively thrive, collate benefits andharness their economic potential more effectively.
Promoting local culture and economy is a layered activity
that needs a holistic strategy. Doing so may foster an
atmosphere that celebrates and maintains local identities,
supports sustainable economic growth, and strengthens oursocial fabric.

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04/
Policy Recommendations andRelated Actions

C

CI and other local economic activities possess thepotential to drive economic growth and enhance
productivity. It is crucial to adopt an inclusive
ecosystem approach by engaging all stakeholders topromote the local economy and preserve intangible andtangible cultural and built heritage. The following policy
recommendations are devised with a holistic and inclusive
approach and emphasise on promoting CCI in order tofacilitate a multiplier effect on local economies. Focus of the
Policy recommendations is on fostering traditional and othercreative and cultural and economic activities. However, if
the community interaction suggests fostering other local
economic activities that are important for the city’s identity,
the recommendations may also be devised to support suchactivities.

4.1 Establish an Enabling Legislative
Environment
A well-defined legislative framework is required atnational and sub-national levels to enable action at local/
city level. This can be best achieved through identifying
elements of different and respective identities at local leveland formulating national and sub-national cultural andspatial policies and comprehensive databases of CCIs andimplementation frameworks at local level.
An enabling legislative environment would ensure universal
objectives of inclusion, equity and protection of cultural
assets, unique practices and crafts. It would help encourage
women and marginalised people to engage in cultural life bypromoting inclusion and equal opportunity and build morebalanced and diversified cultural contexts. Through the
instruments of spatial and cultural policies, legal recognition
can be ascertained to designated cultural hubs, economic
clusters and heritage areas as well as to unorganised orinformal traditional crafts and practices. However, there
must be flexibility in the legal environment to include
viewpoints of communities towards fostering other local
economic activities.
■

Spatial Policy: Integrating cultural resources, including
CCI and identified local economic clusters, within thespatial planning framework of cities. The following
actions are recommended for cities to undertake. Whilethese are common for all, cities must also formulate
provisions specific to promoting their own respective
cultural identities.
A. Create a city level spatial database of cultural resources:
identify, map and document the tangible and intangible
components of CCI and other a cultural resources on areal-time database.
B. Earmark concentrations of creative & cultural resources
and activities: identify hubs, clusters and precincts
that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and creative
expressions and bring together agglomeration
economies by linking tangible and intangible cultural
resources.
C. Formulate relevant provisions in the development plansof cities: initiate art-led placemaking options, facilitate
adaptive reuse of heritage assets, devise incentives
such as Heritage TDR, devise special bye-laws anddevelopment controls for identified precincts/ clusters/
concentrations, etc.
D. Encourage the development of spaces supporting
creative and cultural industries: formulate development
norms to enable shared workspaces, artisan studios, andsocio-cultural facilities like museums, galleries, libraries
etc.
■ Cultural Policy: Framing a national and sub-national
level Cultural Policy to foster and promote cultural
practices. The policy should encompass government
actions, laws, programmes, etc., that regulate, protect,encourage and support culture. The following actions arerecommended for the same:
A. Formulate a national level policy to emphasise on
the importance of safeguarding and enhancing thecountry’s cultural heritage and traditional practices andto establish linkages between culture and economy inorder to facilitate creation of contextual cultural policies
at sub-national and even local levels.
B. Conduct research and documentation to understandmultiple cultural contexts, identify key stakeholders,and acquire public feedback to achieve inclusion anddiversity in policy formation (citizen-centric policy) at the
sub-national level level.
C. Form an inclusive, multidisciplinary group comprisingof cultural specialists, representatives from diverse
industries, and government officials to oversee the policy
Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

19

creation process at every level.
D. Ensure convergence of available and new resources(human, capital, and operational) at all levels to
implement the cultural policy.
E. Align the cultural policy with other related policies suchas the master plans of cities, policies related to tourism,
export promotion and skill development in order toresolve common issues such as over-tourism andpromotion of locally produced artisanal products as wellas traditional skills/ know-how, etc.
F. Create cultural platforms to support cultural diversity,
provide artists with sustainable livelihood options, andsupport culture-driven campaigns, art projects, local
events, street festivals, etc.

4.2 Strengthen Institutional
Arrangements
Robust institutional arrangements is necessary to address
the gap or the disconnect between various levels of
the government and the local communities and enableeffective communication and understanding of local needs
and challenges. This is particularly useful for successfully
implementing cultural infrastructure, allocating andmonitoring funds, and organising industry-wide events.
Facilitating appropriate institutional support also is also
likely to encourage and incentivise individuals of culturalcommunities to continue specialising in their traditional
cultural activity/ craft generation after generation
rather than migrating to other generalised employment
opportunities. This would reinforce and nurture the sense of
belongingness to their place of origin and cultural heritage.
A multi-level institutional structure will help foster aconnected network of institutions that will maintainthe connection between grassroots cultural processes,
social innovation, and a dynamic and responsive cultural
ecosystem. This in turn will provide a more inclusive andsupportive environment where cultural communities feelvalued, heard, and empowered to actively contribute to theirlocalities’ cultural fabric. Some of the recommended actions
to take this forward at city level are as follows:
A. Set up dedicated units such as Culture Cells/ Culture
Conservation Societies/Centres for Culture & Heritage,at the city level, responsible for promoting cultural
practices.
B. Appoint creative curators at these units/ cells to oversee
the planning, implementation, and administration ofcultural development activities in the city including
curating exhibitions, organising cultural events,
researching local customs, and cooperating with artists
and cultural practitioners to ensure authenticity andquality.
C. Enable community participation through NGOs, CBOs,
community forums, public consultations, and cultural
workshops where local inhabitants can offer ideas, share

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their expertise, and actively engage in decision-making
in shaping the cultural environment of their localities.
This will develop community ownership over culturalprocesses and assets.

4.3  Devise a Culture-Sensitive
Regulatory Framework
In order to balance the requirements of a vibrant creative
economy and the protection of those who contribute to its
vitality, it is imperative to formulate regulations with respect
to safe working conditions and environmentally sensitive
products and processes. The informality of the industry,along with the inflow of tourists seeking cultural experiences
in most regions, has added extra stress on creative
practitioners, frequently resulting in hazardous working
conditions and poor safety precautions. Formulating
regulations to mitigate environmental and occupational
hazards, promote safe working conditions, and ensure thephysical and mental well-being of individuals involved increative activities is a necessity as it would  enable creative
practitioners to focus on their work with peace of mind
knowing that their health and safety are prioritised andclear safety standards are in place. The following actions arerecommended in this regard:
A. Create awareness regarding environmental andoccupational hazards and the need for implementing
suitable preventative measures, resulting in a safer
working environment and protection for those engaged
in creative activities.
B. Conduct frequent evaluations to detect vulnerabilities
unique to particular cultural and creative economies.
Create a thorough database of related and probabledangers and risks.
C. Set basic safety standards, and recommendations
customised to the specific process/ product and ensure
regulations take into account the  peculiarities of
informal creative economy practices and recommend
safety rules for handling hazardous chemicals, operating
equipment, and workplace ergonomics.

4.4  Establish Collaborative Connections
A country’s local cultural and creative practices canbe elevated to national and international platforms by
establishing collaborative networks and exploring global
alliances. It ensures increasing their visibility and enhancing
their brand value. Communities gain confidence whenbolstering of the cultural sector provides more and better
growth opportunities. They get better equipped to address
challenges such as skill migration and adapting to thedemands of modern times. Collaborative connections would
help attract international grants and private investments,
creating opportunities for applying global standards ofinclusion and sustainable development. The increased
visibility and recognition of local cultural and creative
practices make them more appealing to all typologies

of external funding sources including government-led
Initiatives for promoting cultural and creative products,
services, and experiences.  Utilising the private sector andinternational partnerships/ alliances to generate necessary
resources and expertise for driving sustainable development
initiatives, ensuring the longevity and growth of the cultural
sector. Following are the recommendations for actions inthis regard:
A. Implement specific schemes and activities at thenational and international levels to promote CCI
products, services, and experiences by offering financial
incentives and marketing expertise to get visibility, which
may stimulate market demand.
B. Enable the private sector to facilitate the creation ofcommunity-supported infrastructure for promoting
cultural and local economies. The private sector may
help by providing funding, knowledge, and resources tobuild infrastructure like cultural centres, creative spaces,and specialised marketplaces that promote, present,
develop and sellrelated products, experiences andservices.

4.5 Enable Access to Finance
Access to financing mechanisms is one of the mostsignificant enablers to promote the CCI and other local
economic activities. It is critical to devise the right balance
between financing support from government-led
initiatives and other sources. Financial support ensures
the acknowledgement and integration of CCI in economic
growth. Furthermore, a legislative framework facilitating
the mapping of cultural resources is pivotal in identifying
resources eligible for financial aid. It also addresses thechallenge of community migration in search of better
prospects and financial stability. Additionally, it upholds theauthenticity of local products, services, and experiences,prioritising sustainable economic development overinsensitive construction and over-tourism. It is therefore
recommended that financial access (including government
led schemes/ programmes, private sector led initiatives)
aimed at supporting growth and promotion of cultural
practices and local economies must be enabled.  This will
help open up avenues for innovation, capacity-building,and implementing impactful projects that contribute to thecommunity’s well-being and preserve cultural heritage andeconomies. It will also attract  private sector engagement
and enable long-term sustenance. The recommended
actions in this regard are as follows:
A. Devise government schemes for financially supporting
CCI and identified local economic activities throughsubsidies, grants, etc.
B. Introduce accessible loans and innovative grant
programmes exclusively for these sectors.
C. Encourage private sector participation by providing
possibilities for investment in this sector. Create
platforms that link investors with cultural enterprises,

fostering collaborations and giving incentives such as tax
breaks or sponsorship programmes to entice the private
sector to participate.

4.6  Strengthen Creative Capacities
By strengthening creative capacities, communities are
empowered to adapt to the rapid pace of globalisation andtechnological advancements. It empowers them to maintainthe authenticity of their products, services, or experiences
while equipping them with the necessary skills to leveragetechnological innovations. This approach would effectively
address the challenges associated with preservation of local
cultural and creative practices, ensuring their continuity andrelevance in a rapidly changing world.
It is important to focus on skill development and foster
innovations to enable access to an ever-evolving global
market and facilitatelocal economies to upgrade theirproducts throughsocial and design innovations. Notably,
the actions taken at the local level can have a measurable
impact on a global scale, making this approach significant
in fostering sustainable development. Some actions that arerecommended towards strengthening creative capacities
include:A. Facilitate collaboration and convergence between
government and institutions to create and implement
skill development programmes focusing on the CCI.
B. Establish ‘Centres of Excellence’ that serve as thinktanks to nurture and enhance the skills of artists. These
centres can provide a supportive environment for artists
to develop their talents and expand their knowledge.
Additionally, these centres can create a marketplace
where artists can showcase and trade their artworks,
fostering economic opportunities and recognition for
their creative endeavours.
C. Encourage the private sector to co-invest in training
and skill development pertaining to creative and culturalindustries.
D. Mainstream skill development in the formal education
system and create innovation labs/ platforms for scaling
up local practices and frugal innovations.
E. Create mechanisms to utilise digital tools to improve
market access for creative practitioners. It can include
the creation of online platforms or digital marketplaces
that link creators with prospective purchasers on a local
and worldwide scale.
The figure below provides a snapshot of good practices
adopted worldwide for most of the recommended policies
and actions. This will serve as a valuable starting point orreference for cities.

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

21

Policy Recommendations: Global Good Practices.

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Urban 20 2023 White Paper

Author Compilation. Illustrative reference (UNESCO, 2013)

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

23

05/
Conclusion…too many well-intended development programmes havefailed because they did not consider cultural settings...
development has not always focused enough on people.
To mobilise people, we need to understand and embrace their culture.
This means encouraging dialogue, listening to individual voices, andensuring that culture and human rights informthe new course for sustainable development.
(UNESCO, 2013)

In his opening remarks at the UN General Assembly
thematic discussion on culture and development in2013, the erstwhile UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon
highlighted the most critical aspect related to cultural
heritage, identities and economies i.e., the ‘people’.
This paper resonates the idea and examines theintersections among local culture, economy and identity. In
conclusion, it is important to reiterate that local identity is
deeply rooted in the experiences and affiliations of the local
people - a community, location, practices, language, cuisine,values, and much more. Evolution of this identity should
emerge organically from within the community. While
external influences are embraced over time, the choiceshould lie with the local people and places rather than
imposition of external constructs of culture and identity thatare disconnected from people’s daily lives.

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Urban 20 2023 White Paper

Emphasising the concept of “everyday life” is also significant,as cultures and identities can only be sustained byprotecting and fostering the existing routines and practicesof the people. Preserving cultural diversity and the local
economy is essential for promoting uniqueness, authenticity,
creativity and enabling frugal innovations. The key focus
should be creating an enabling environment for local
identities to flourish, adapt to modern times, and sustain
their skills in the long run. Local economies have found theirspace and recognition, given their resilience, particularly inglobal events like the pandemic and economic meltdowns.
It is time we recognise local culture and economy as theprimary areas of focus that can effectively realise larger
goals such as SDGs from bottom up.

This paper has brought to the fore, the need and narrativeof nurturing the ‘LOCAL’, particularly in light of the priorities
identified in the sixth edition of Urban 20 (U20) under
India’s G20 presidency, which itself has focussed heavily
on promoting ‘culture and heritage’. Each country must
recognise and respect cultural rights and develop policies
that reflect sensitivity towards their communities, local

practices, and unique environments rather than replicating
approaches from elsewhere. While on the one hand,these efforts are crucial to safeguard cultural and creative
practices from being lost over time, they can also help us
achieve the larger vision of economic stability on the other.

…we need an environment that is not simply well-organised but poetic andsymbolic. It should speak of the individuals and their complex society, their
aspirations and historical tradition, the natural setting, and the complicatedfunctions and movements of the city world.
But the clarity of structure and vividness of identity are the first steps todeveloping strong symbols. By appearing as a remarkable and well-knit place,the city could provide a ground for the clustering and organisation of these
meanings and associations. Such a sense of place enhances every humanactivity there and encourages the deposit of a memory trace.

Kevin Lynch, The Image of the City (p. 119)Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

25

06/
Annexure
Models for CCI
UNESCO Report also clarifies two critical points on thegraph above: first, the boundaries between the circles
are porous, and each successive ring is increasingly shot
through with aesthetic and symbolic attributes; second,
the term “core creative arts” does not imply that individual
artists are alone at the apex of a hierarchy of creativity. At
the start of the cultural value chain, individual artists andcreative workers are often part of a broader enterprise

whose process is initiated by managers, entrepreneurs,
producers, intermediaries, etc. They depend on communities
of practice. This is particularly the case in non-Westernsettings where the modernist notion of the individual
endowed with extraordinary powers of autonomous
expression often cannot be applied. Instead, culturalexpression emerges as a social process – creativity itself
is social – that is elaborated in community contexts, so thecentral core should be recast as “core cultural expression”.

The Work Foundation’s Concentric Circles Model
Source: (The Work Foundation, 2007)26

Urban 20 2023 White Paper

UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics Domains
Source: (UNESCO, 2009)

Championing ‘Local’ Culture and Economy

27

07/
Glossary: Useful Terms
A. Epistemology: Epistemology is the philosophical study ofhuman knowledge’s nature, origin, and limits. The termis derived from the Greek epistēmē (“knowledge”) andlogos (“reason”), and accordingly, the field is sometimes
referred to as the theory of knowledge (Martinich &Stroll, 2019).
B. Economic Resilience: The capacity of a regionalor local economy to withstand or recover from themarket, competitive and environmental shocks to its
developmental growth path, if necessary, by undergoing
adaptive changes to its economic structures and its
social and institutional arrangements to maintain or
restore its previous developmental path, or transit to a
new sustainable path characterised by fuller and moreproductive use of its physical, human and environmental
resources (Martin & Sunley, 2014).
C. Cultural Rights: Cultural rights refer to the fundamental
human rights that guarantee individuals andcommunities the freedom to participate in, access, andenjoy their cultural heritage, expressions, and practices.
These rights are essential for promoting and protecting
cultural diversity, fostering creativity, and preserving
the cultural identity of individuals and communities(UNESCO, 2001).
D. Cultural Diversity: Cultural diversity refers to thewide range of artistic expressions, practices, andmanifestations in human societies. It encompasses avariety of cultural heritage, beliefs, values, languages,
traditions, arts, and other forms of human creativity(UNESCO, 2001).

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Urban 20 2023 White Paper

E. Informal Economy: The informal economy refers toenterprises and employment outside institutionalised(State/corporate) frameworks of labour laws, taxation,and finance. Informality, seen as flexibility, makes work
accessible for millions of marginalised communities
such as women, migrant labour, and cultural minorities(Krishnamoorthy et al., 2021).
F. Artisan Economy: An artisan economy is a subset of acultural economy and centres on indigenous, handmade
production embodying creative and cultural heritage(craft, art, food, tourism). One of the largest employment
sectors globally for underserved communities, it isprimarily informal, comprising diverse skill sets andundocumented low-tech (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2021).
G. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as
the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect
the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy
peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated—theyrecognise that action in one area will affect outcomesin others and that development must balance social,economic and environmental sustainability (UNDP,
2022).

08/
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