Developed through a partnership between 2010 Legacies Now and the Creative City Network of Canada, the Cultural Planning Toolkit provides a comprehensive guide to help communities strategically integrate culture into local planning processes. This toolkit supports local governments, community leaders, and organizations in recognizing cultural resources as vital assets that can contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and community identity. Cultural planning goes beyond supporting the arts—it aims to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable communities by linking culture with broader civic goals such as education, health, urban development, and tourism. With its step-by-step roadmap, from preparation and community engagement to implementation and evaluation, the toolkit offers practical methods and resources for cities aiming to build strong partnerships and lasting cultural impact. By focusing on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the Cultural Planning Toolkit inspires communities to unlock the full potential of culture as a driver of positive change.

The OECD has launched a groundbreaking project to better understand the innovation and productivity potential of Cultural and Creative Sectors (CCS) and their positive spillover effects across the wider economy. With CCS contributing significantly to job creation, entrepreneurship, and international trade, this project focuses on capturing their value through better data, policy recommendations, and international benchmarks. Through deep-dives into CCS innovation, productivity, and cross-sector collaborations, the project aims to highlight the crucial role of creative industries in driving economic growth, fostering resilience, and advancing social and technological innovation. By supporting evidence-based policies, capacity building, and peer learning, the initiative empowers countries, cities, and sectors to fully leverage CCS as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development.

Prepared by OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), The Culture Fix highlights the vital role of cultural and creative sectors (CCS) in fostering economic growth, innovation, and social well-being. Representing up to 7% of businesses and contributing 2.2% of total economic value across OECD countries, CCS generate millions of jobs, support entrepreneurship, and drive innovation across industries. Beyond their economic impact, cultural and creative sectors play a key role in strengthening social inclusion, enhancing quality of life, and revitalizing local communities through cultural participation and place-making. However, CCS also face persistent challenges such as precarious employment, funding gaps, and unequal recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The report calls for targeted policies, increased investment, and stronger cross-sector collaboration to unlock the full potential of culture as a driver of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth.

This report was prepared by the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) Working Group of Member States’ Experts, coordinated by the European Commission. The report focuses on the role of public policies in unlocking the entrepreneurial and innovation potential of the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) in Europe. Highlighting the CCS as key drivers of social well-being, economic growth, and cross-sectoral innovation, the report offers policy recommendations to better support these sectors. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies, tailored support for micro-enterprises, and stronger collaboration between stakeholders to maximize the impact of culture and creativity on society and the economy.

This report was prepared jointly by UNESCO and the World Bank. Titled Cities, Culture, and Creativity: Leveraging Culture and Creativity for Sustainable Urban Development and Inclusive Growth, the report presents a framework to help cities unlock the potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) for economic growth, social inclusion, and urban regeneration. It highlights how culture and creativity contribute to competitive, resilient, and vibrant cities while addressing urban challenges such as unemployment and social cohesion. Drawing from global case studies, the report outlines six key enablers—including urban infrastructure, skills, networks, regulations, uniqueness, and digitalization—to support local governments in fostering creative economies and integrating culture into sustainable urban development strategies.

This report was prepared jointly by UNESCO and the World Bank. Titled Cities, Culture, and Creativity: Leveraging Culture and Creativity for Sustainable Urban Development and Inclusive Growth, the report presents a framework to help cities unlock the potential of cultural and creative industries (CCIs) for economic growth, social inclusion, and urban regeneration. It highlights how culture and creativity contribute to competitive, resilient, and vibrant cities while addressing urban challenges such as unemployment and social cohesion. Drawing from global case studies, the report outlines six key enablers—including urban infrastructure, skills, networks, regulations, uniqueness, and digitalization—to support local governments in fostering creative economies and integrating culture into sustainable urban development strategies.