Our ambition is to ensure that Nottingham City of Literature is a fully active member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) thus reinforcing its position on the world literary scene. Our aim is also to support, animate and develop the city’s designation in the interests of residents and visitors to Nottingham and its surrounding area and increase everyone’s access to the benefits of literature: learning, skills, quality of life, social capital, improved life chances, and better health and wellbeing.
We will only make progress by making a commitment to working with partners across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire in both enabling an active City of Literature as well as in achieving our five strategic aims outlined below.
Building a better world with words.
To be recognised worldwide as a beacon of literary excellence and to create new opportunities for learning and participation in Nottingham’s literary and cultural life.
We seek to maximise the UNESCO designation through collaboration. Our working relationships and our programme are defined by five core values:
Inclusive – we are friendly, helpful and encouraging. We respect and value each other and thrive on our diversity.
Collaborative – our partnerships are one of our most valuable assets. We work in ways which empower and support our partners.
Inspire and connect – we show our passion and enjoyment so that others want to join our mission.
Creative and ambitious– we are open to new ideas, set high goals and are committed to improving the quality of everything we do.
Integrity – we create a culture of openness and aspire to work to the highest standards of honesty and behaviour.
CHAMPION AND DEVELOP AUDIENCES FOR LITERARY NOTTINGHAM
Focus: to promote the story of literary Nottingham, boost its profile and increase the size and make-up of audiences for live literature events.
We'll know we've succeeded when we've...
CONNECT LITERATURE TO LEARNING & SKILLS
Focus: to encourage greater access to and participation in creative writing as a special priority, especially among children and young people from marginalised communities.
We'll know we've succeeded when we've...
DEVELOP NEW DIVERSE WRITING TALENT & INNOVATION
Focus: to support the creative and professional development of writing talent for page, stage and screen, and to empower writers to be ambitious and innovative.
We'll know we've succeeded when we've...
STRENGTHEN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Focus: to broker international connections, share experience and best practice, and encourage cross-disciplinary cultural projects and partnerships.
We'll know we've succeeded when we've...
BUILD SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Focus: to develop a flexible and agile organisation with a sound business model that supports organisational resilience.
We'll know we've succeeded when we've...
We are a small organisation, based in the Creative Quarter, but we are hugely ambitious in our work to develop diverse audiences, support writers, and the wider cultural and literary landscape of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Our Team help coordinate and champion literary activity to audiences locally, regionally, nationally and across the world. We actively support and facilitate conversations, broker connections and optimise opportunities through our in-house expertise, access to global networks, and our communication and marketing tools, including our revamped website.
Tell us what's going on and we'll be sure to advise, develop, promote and make connections.
Our city is alive with words, and Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature is blessed with great people driving us forwards in our mission to transform lives for the better. Here are just a few of our leading lights. Our literary people, we salute you:
Thank you to all the wonderful people and organisations who support us, who inspire us, and who guide us in our determination to be a leading light in world literature. We couldn’t do it without you, and we never forget it.
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