Every city holds a unique culture that shapes its identity and finds expression in the daily lives of its citizens. Local governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of arts and culture in creating inclusive cities and vibrant public spaces that can bring communities together. This article features the cases from the cities of Jeonju (South Korea) and Areguá (Paraguay).
Jeonju: sustainable development through traditional cultural revitalization
Jeonju, South Korea, is a city with over 1,300 years of history and is home to 45 intangible cultural heritage sites. The city is internationally recognized for preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage through food, architecture, and traditional practices. The Jeonju municipal government’s commitment to culture has earned it global recognition, including its designation as an observatory for the UCLG International Award – Mexico City – Culture 21. Yet, Jeonju’s achievements are not solely the result of its rich historical legacy. Its success lies in forward-looking cultural policies that actively harness heritage as a foundation for sustainability, social inclusion, and local economic development.
This story starts in 1997 when the city launched its Traditional Culture City project, positioning culture as a key driver of development. However, early implementation faced significant challenges. Many residents perceived industrialisation as the path to economic progress, while the value of cultural policies remained unclear. Without public understanding of the value of culture and cultural policies, the project risked losing legitimacy and momentum.
In response, the city prioritized building internal understanding and co-constructing with the community their sense of culture. The first step was to broaden this definition and embed it with values such as inclusivity, citizen participation, local identity, and social cohesion. This collaborative reframing of the idea of culture laid the foundation for defining the project’s objectives: to promote sustainable urban development through social consolidation and environmental balance. They also identified their means and initiatives: cultural experiences and learning programs.
Credit: Visit Jeonju
Jeonju government adopted a two-step approach
Education and experience programmes were held by cultural experts, artists, and cultural planners in schools and local community centres. Among them, the Jeonju Traditional Culture Training Centre, which was converted from a hundred-year-old building to provide an immersive experience for citizens and tourists who visit the space.
Other actions were: expanding citizens’ access to culture through innovative use of cultural resources that fit modern lifestyles while strengthening identity. Develop diverse business models that leverage cultural resources, which can lead to increased job opportunities. Develop an environmentally friendly cultural policy model that prioritizes the repair and renewal of existing facilities.
Credit: NewsWire
Achievements
Jeonju’s cultural policies generate a direct annual economic impact of USD 40 million and an indirect annual economic impact of USD 130 million, while also creating additional jobs in the cultural sector. The intangible benefits were equally significant: increased participation in cultural industries, revitalized the local economy, strengthened city identity, and improved social integration. Jeonju was also recognized as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, and as an International Slow City
Jeonju’s experience shows that impactful cultural policies begin with citizens. By creating job opportunities and fostering local pride, culture became a driver of inclusion while also strengthening Jeonju’s international appeal through its cultural economy.
Credit: Visit Jeonju
Areguá: city of craft and folk arts
Areguá is one of the three pottery cities in Paraguay, home to over 450 pottery workshops. The city’s commitment to arts and cultural heritage is evident. It is the only city in Paraguay with a law designating its historic centre as a national cultural heritage site. Internationally, it was selected as a UNESCO Creative City of Craft and Folk Art. The city has envisaged itself as a creative city that supports popular arts and crafts, fosters creative economies as a driver of social change and sustainable development, and as an opportunity for knowledge transfer.
Credit: Islands
The city of Areguá adopted a community-driven model. The municipal government has actively promoted the local creative industry by supporting festivals, including the annual Strawberry Fair and Nativity Créche Fair. With over 200 artisans, these fairs generated nearly USD 500,000 for local communities. Initiatives, such as Estación A – Núcleo Cultural, have also played a key role by hosting events like the “Flavors” Fair.
The government has invested in revitalising public spaces to support artistic expression. The restoration of the historic Senators building under the “PlanChar” programme aimed to develop creative space for artists and craftsmen. Meanwhile, a technical team from the Municipality of Areguá has been formed to focus on heritage conservation.
Credit: La Nacion
Areguá actively promotes cultural exchange through international arts and crafts events that support both the creative economy and mutual learning. Marking occasions like World Tourism Day, the city uses arts and culture to drive tourism and sustainable development.
Key initiatives include the First International Dance Festival of Creative Cities, which showcases the diversity and richness of folk traditions across Latin America and facilitates exchange between cultural traditions. Additionally, the Third International Meeting of Ceramists, which combines workshops, heritage tours, and artisan exchanges, has become a platform for artists to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Achievements
Through these diverse efforts, Areguá is building a resilient creative economy rooted in pottery, tourism, and handicrafts, while positioning itself as a hub for cultural exchange and sustainable urban development. Diverse initiatives also reflect Areguá’s belief in art and culture as a tool for international exchanges and collaboration.
Areguá’s journey highlights how local governments can promote arts and culture both locally and internationally, effectively integrating them to strengthen the creative economy. The transformative and enabling power held in creating opportunities for artists lies within the reach of local governments.
Credit: Diario HOY
Lessons learned
The experiences of Jeonju and Areguá provide examples of how effective cultural policies begin within the community, engaging citizens and providing meaningful cultural spaces to nurture local identity and foster inclusion. Equally important is reaching beyond local borders to promote mutual learning and collaboration through international networks and platforms. In this way, culture serves as both a vital local asset and a global connector, fostering inclusive cities that celebrate diversity, drive sustainable development, and strengthen creative economies.