Cultural Forum of World Cities

World cities are in constant motion, constantly changing; and culture is a grain of sand in the sink, which over time always turns into a pearl. The constant influx of new people brings new ideas and talents. The ability to establish new relationships - between cities, various industries, between formal and informal culture, in the interests of commercial and non-profit spheres - is a key factor in sustainable urban development. ^[four]

Unlike many meetings and symposia of representatives of different countries around the world, thanks to the Cultural Forum of World Cities, one can clearly visualize how the dynamism, scale and uniqueness of world cities turn them into the central 'nodes' of global culture. ^[5] In addition, this Forum does not aim to work in collaboration or invest in a common project. This Forum involves working on their own development and advancement, thereby giving others a chance to strive for better and more, gaining valuable experience and an unlimited amount of relevant information.

Consequently, the Forum sets the following goals:

• justification of the decisive contribution of culture to the economic and social success of world cities
• collection of facts reflecting the diverse influence of culture on the world city and its inhabitants
• exchange of experience in the study of common problems and comparison of approaches to investment in culture and its development

To implement the above objectives of the project, the following tasks are set:

• creation of an online platform for the provision and dissemination of information and effective working methods
• organization of annual summits, alternately held in participating cities
• Preparation of reports on the development of culture in world cities, which are published every three years and contain a brief description of cultural achievements and their analysis
• continuous joint research and publication of materials

The forum is a meeting place for urban culture professionals from all over the world, a platform where cultural management practitioners can exchange experiences, discuss the application of successful solutions and, equally important, share their concerns and difficulties.

In all cities of the world, cultural practices face the same problems. How to make a project sustainable? How to carry out real social work through cultural projects? How to explain their actions and join forces with the townspeople? What if the budget is very small? How to bring culture to the marginalized, most vulnerable? In each city, these questions are answered differently, they develop their own solutions, but they also have common features. Fiction and resourcefulness will always be present in any chosen strategy, but even more consistency, responsibility and hard work. ^[6]

The high level of urbanization since the beginning of the 20th century shows that by 2030 two-thirds of the world's population will live in cities. Governments are facing increasingly complex challenges due to the unprecedented rate of change. A large number of global issues, ranging from climate change and ending with the struggle for social equality, are no longer conducted at the national, but at the city level.

Many city leaders today recognize that developing cultural potential is fundamental to creating thriving urban centers. Political and economic influence also puts the role of the leading cities in the world in a unique position, setting the global agenda for the sustainable development of megacities.

The main difference between the Cultural Forum of World Cities and other global forums is not just the implementation of funds for individual projects, but the attention paid to all aspects of urban problems:

• solving issues of inclusive development of society
• urban refinement
• developing a more sustainable identity
• involvement of the population in cultural life
• support and development of innovation

This Forum can also be called an example of active cooperation and the coordinated work of participating cities. “Any diplomat will tell you that getting consent from representatives of 25 countries on a specific issue can be a very difficult task. Every year I chair the Cultural Forum of World Cities, in which influential leaders from many cities around the world take part. I am always amazed at how united all the delegates are, regardless of the international situation in the world. It does not matter what political or economic goals they pursue, because their common goal is to increase the role of culture in our cities' (Sadik Khan, Mayor of London). ^[7]

How can cities continue to grow and attract investment, while preserving their cultural infrastructure, as well as the vibrations and diversity that make them unique? The cultural forum of world cities gives answers to this.

Around the world, the cultural sector is funded through a complex mix of city revenue, public funding, private sponsorship and charity. Cultural politicians must be very resourceful in order to get a complete “toolbox” of options that they are provided with for the development of cultural projects in world cities.

New funding models are beginning to emerge, such as social finance and public funding through crowdfunding campaigns. However, the share of financing these areas is still too small to be able to measure their results.

Vivid examples of investments in cultural development can serve as some world centers:

• Paris city authorities annually allocate $ 3.3 billion from the state budget for the development of culture. Moscow and London are in second place with expenses of $ 2.4 billion and $ 1.6 billion, respectively.

• in United States cities, private donations dominate cultural initiatives. Outside of the USA, with the exception of Tokyo, no other city has more than 19% of investments from private sources.

• Cities in China are increasingly investing in new and commercial cultural forms, particularly in the creative industries.

• transfers in the field of culture from individuals prevail in the United States and Great Britain. In Asia, by contrast, corporations dominate.

The outcome of the Forum are 2 key events.

1. The annual event was the Cultural Forum of World Cities. This unique meeting, held on a rotational basis in participating cities, allows city leaders to share ideas and knowledge about the role of culture as an organizational principle for the sustainable development of the city of the future. Since 2012, Shanghai, Istanbul, Amsterdam, London, Moscow, San Francisco have already acted as host cities. In 2018, the Forum is planned in Seoul.
2. Preparation of a Report on the culture of world cities on the work done with the provision of an expanded description of the activities of each city. Each Report is published on the official website of the Forum with translation into five more languages. In addition, information not included in the Reports is also posted on the website (these are the Reports on the Forum in the host cities, important statistics that are often difficult to find even on the official city website, as well as thematic projects). ^[eight]

Despite the rapid growth rates of leading cities, their development and the promotion of their own cultural values, there are also negative aspects of the processes of urbanization and globalization .

In connection with the growth of the urban population, there is also growing pressure on city governments, requiring the preservation of individuality and self-identification, the attraction of business structures, as well as the creation of highly qualified jobs, while remaining stable and adaptable to any changes.

Growing cities are generally considered successful. Economic development and population growth are key signs of a city’s well-being. However, growth leads to certain problems. The load on infrastructure, social and ecological systems - all this can negatively affect the long-term development of the city. Social and cultural contradictions can disrupt the sense of ownership.

“Particular attention needs to be paid to the shortage of green spaces, water and living space, which is becoming more acute every day due to the accelerated pace of housing construction for a growing population” (Eran Eken, publisher, president, Executive Board of International Communications, Istanbul) . ^[9]

Although culture is a key factor in economic prosperity, rising real estate prices and rising socioeconomic inequalities caused by the rapid growth of cities can threaten cultural life and create new problems for those responsible for cultural policies. This is an extremely difficult task for the cities of the world, in particular, due to the large amount of capital that flows into them and the unprecedented speed with which development takes place.

'As the city grows, the need for housing and jobs increases, while costs increase significantly. In addition to the obvious problem of rising prices, changing economic conditions pose a threat to the fundamental value - the soul of the city, its ability to be comfortable for everyone ' (John Rahaim, Director of Planning for the City and District of San Francisco). ^[ten]

The influence of global cities is fundamental in the formation of a single global system of cities. Due to this, there is a growing similarity between cities, even among those that were initially very different from each other in many ways. ^[eleven]

“Globalization leads to homogenization: the central parts of cities around the world are more and more alike due to the presence of international brands and corporations that threaten the development of local commerce and culture” (Ivo van Hove, Director, Toneelgroep, Amsterdam). ^[9]

http://www.worldcitiescultureforum.com

http://bop.co.uk/

https://www.mos.ru/mayor/themes/3299/3596050/