Manchester is celebrating a momentous occasion as the city receives international acclaim with not one, but two prestigious UNESCO designations. Recognised as both a City of Literature and City of Lifelong Learning, Manchester joins a select group of global cities acknowledged for their commitment to education, creativity, and cultural development.

This dual recognition is a testament to the city’s bold vision and collaborative spirit, with international peers commending Manchester’s innovative strategies, inclusive approach and proven success in fostering lifelong learning and literary excellence.

“This dual recognition is a powerful endorsement of our long-term vision for Manchester,” said Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “The Our Manchester Strategy 2025-2035 is about working together to build a city where everyone can thrive. The dual UNESCO status shows that our ambition and collective efforts are having a positive impact locally, whilst being recognised on the world stage as a leader across the arts, culture and education”.

This week Manchester welcomes colleagues from Nanjing to celebrate the success of this collaborative cross-cultural partnership, funded by the British Council’s International Collaboration Grants.

In the culmination of a 9-month artistic exchange exploring the natural world through literature. New creative work from professional artists and young people in both Manchester and Nanjing will be premiered this week.

A new bilingual anthology of poetry, artworks and plays  will be debuted by the artists from both cities in Manchester. The six artists include a Forward Prize shortlisted poet, two award-winning TV and script writers, one of China’s most revered poets, founding member of the Nanjing Calligraphy Academy and a Programme Leader at MMU. The artists collaborated online and in-person when the Manchester artists were hosted in Nanjing in March this year.

Ivan Wadeson, Executive Director of Manchester City of Literature says, “As a UNESCO City of Literature, we are also able to use our global connections to bring international artists to Greater Manchester to enrich the festival further. I am delighted that this year we have artists from our sister Cities of Literature Québec City, Nanjing and Tartu taking part and alongside the professional artists we have linked schools in Manchester and Nanjing through our Real Contentment Young People’s Exhibition. Huge thanks to Arts Council England and the British Council International Collaboration Grants for their support to make this happen, alongside the regular funders of Manchester City of Literature: Manchester City Council, the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.”

In the ethos of lifelong learning and inter-cultural exchange, a school engagement programme involving Year 3-6 pupils from Manchester and Nanjing schools has culminated in an exhibition of artwork and writing by young people. The work created by the artist exchange and schools programme will be open to the public as part of Festival of Libraries at Manchester Central Library from 3rd – 17th June 2025.

Jill Griffiths, Head of the School of Digital Arts and Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “It’s a privilege to host the event at Manchester Metropolitan University in celebration of the UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning and City of Literature designations. Working in partnership with Manchester City Council and The University of Manchester to attain these designations is a reflection of the collaborative ethos of the city and Manchester Met, and this event, which also took place during the Festival of Libraries, was a vibrant celebration showcasing the breadth and depth of our creative and cultural offering alongside our commitment to making lifelong learning a reality for everybody within Manchester.

“Manchester Met also played a vital role in the British Council funded Nanjing artist exchange project, and I was delighted to experience the innovative poems, plays and visual art produced by the six artists from Manchester and Nanjing during the event and which I hope marks the beginning of a lasting partnership between the two cities.”

The UNESCO City of Lifelong Learning designation was given to Manchester last February. In a short period of time, the partnership behind this newer designation has launched over 90 projects, delivered events reaching 14,000 learners and has supported over 2,000 learning and skills specialists have attended professional development events. Three films, launched this week, showcase the impact of the designation on learners and providers.

Professor Ang Davies, Academic Lead for Lifelong Learning at University of Manchester said: “We are extremely proud to join the UNESCO family of Learning Cities and have already made many connections in the UK and beyond.  Within the University we strive to develop inclusive, equitable and valued education that supports both personal and professional development. By working closely with our partners including Manchester City Council and Manchester Metropolitan University we will support sustainable economic , social and cultural development of our city region through lifelong learning”.