Namur, designated as a Creative City in media arts by UNESCO in 2021, aims to be a smart city, a benchmark for sustainable development and human progress. Creativity and technological innovation are the driving forces of the city, which is a finalist for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030.
Namur is home to a wide range of cultural, economic, academic and institutional actors who actively contribute to the dynamics of the local creative ecosystem, and reinforce Namur’s position as a Creative City in media arts.
Charlotte Braibant, City of Namur Focal Point
Home to a world-renowned university, Namur is teeming with economic, academic and institutional players who are actively involved in the transformation of the city, making it an innovative territory, and a laboratory of ideas.
The KIKK Festival plays a major role in this ambition. It showcases the local and international digital art scene, raises public awareness of new creative technologies and reinforces Namur’s position as a creative city in media arts.
The KIKK Festival, along with its permanent venue the Pavillon, has become an essential showcase for Namur, attracting thousands of visitors every year (28,000 from 60 different nationalities) and contributing to the vibrancy of the city’s cultural and economic life.
In addition to major structuring projects, the TRAKK, equipped with a MediaLab, a ProtoLab and a tailored programme of activities, brings together entrepreneurs, digital artists, students, and creative communities. Namur also collaborates with numerous key players in the fields of media and technology to support the city’s policies and strengthen the industry.”
As a Creative City in media arts, our objectives include:
- Strengthening research, creation, production, management and circulation of media arts and other creative sectors in the city;
- Building on existing initiatives and connect them to the international scene;
- Facilitating an exchange of experiences and expertise among member cities of the Network, which have recognized creativity as a key driver of sustainable development across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions..