Detroit and Kortrijk launch a new database to track innovative projects launched during COVID-19

Do you know what  Detroit (United States of America), a metropolis of more than 6 million inhabitants, and Kortrijk (Belgium), home to the famous Interior Biennale, have in common? They are both UNESCO Creative Cities of Design.

Responding to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis, the cities of Detroit and Kortrijk have joined hands to launch a collaborative initiative tracking programme and projects from the UNESCO Creative Cities of Design that leverage design and innovation to cope with the trying situation, and help citizens and creators alike.

In line with the UNESCO Creative Cities Network’s objectives, this initiative highlights the crucial need to further enhance and strengthen cooperation amongst cities by sharing good practices. The initiative recalls the need to initiate new partnerships, as well as promote co-creation and design thinking to inspire and better respond to the fast evolving situation.

Cases from the 40 UNESCO Creative Cities of Design across the five continents have been progressively collected and integrated into the newly created database.

Member cities are encouraged to submit online their design-led projects aimed at supporting their creative economy and communities, by clicking here.