As such, a coalition of writers, both universities, Nottingham City Council and other organisations and individuals decided to initiate a bid to join UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as an official UNESCO City of Literature. You can read how the process developed here.
Since being awarded the accreditation in December 2015, we have worked to show how words are for all, and to ensure we offer chances and opportunities to every single person in the city and wider county. This has been done through delivering a series of literary projects, both ran by ourselves or in partnership with other organisations, with a particular focus on young people and those with reduced access to cultural and educational opportunities.
In April 2023, we became a Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisation. This gave us guaranteed funding for an exciting suite of projects to be delivered over three years. Our flagship project, Big City Reads saw 2,000 free books left around cultural hotspots, schools and libraries around the county in the summer of 2024 and this year we’ll be leaving even more around the city for young people to find.
- For more information, check out our FAQ page
- Read the LeftLion City of Literature special edition
- Listen to Nottingham City of Literature on BBC Radio 4
Our Mission
As a UNESCO City of Literature, our mission is to build a better world with words. Our permanent designation as a UNESCO Creative City enables us to use the power of words to transform lives, create new opportunities and establish Nottingham as a leading destination for lovers of literature worldwide.