Through an official UNESCO communication dated November 5th, the Municipality of Palmela learned about the formal decision that it was not going to integrate the Creative Cities Network in 2019. The establishment, for the first time, of a numerus clausus for all applications limited the number of proposals that were accepted, and as far as we know, only one Portuguese application was integrated in this network.
In its communication, UNESCO highlights the fact that Palmela's application and work received several recommendations from independent experts, as well as from several cities that are already part of the network, points out that most member cities did not manage to become members at first attempt, and encourages the Municipality and its partners to proceed with their activities related to creativity and sustainable development.
In June, in its letter supporting Palmela's nomination, the UNESCO National Commission stressed the importance of music within the local development strategy in our territory, in terms of formal and non-formal education, social inclusion and artistic creation, among others, with significant contributions to attracting investment, job creation and tourism, as well as its ability to plan for the future, taking traditional values into account.
The Municipality is aware of the quality of the work that has already been done and of the economic, cultural and emotional dimension assumed by music in the life of this Municipality. Therefore, it reaffirms its commitment to the defence and promotion of these values, and to the fulfillment of its 4-year Strategic Action Plan, which reinforces Palmela's undeniable role as a creative territory.
Meanwhile, at a plenary meeting held on November 6th, considering the projection and notoriety of the work already done, the Municipality and its partners’ network decided that the work on scientific research, knowledge production and the creation of new partnerships will be strengthened, Palmela will always be Music, and assume a new application soon, possibly in 2021.
You may continue to follow all our work at https://www.palmelaemusica.pt and to participate in the strong music and dance programme prepared for the coming months, which includes initiatives such as the Folklore County Meeting (Nov. 16th), the Dance Week (ongoing until Nov. 30th), the 14th Palmela International Music Festival “Terra de Cultura” (until Nov. 26th) or the Encontro de Cante Alentejano (Dec. 1st).