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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Thanks to the city and its unique Margazhi season, my art found an anchor'
If I claimed that I am Made of Chennai, I wouldn't be exaggerating! Chennai is not just where I live; it is what I breathe, what I believe, and what 'built' me, said Sudha Ragunathan, Carnatic vocalist. I might define Chennai as a city of soul and substance, where tradition meets modernity with effortless grace, innate charm, and dignified simplicity. From the rich aroma of filter coffee to the flowing Kanjeevaram silks; from the winding Marina beach where one can gaze at the waters glistening silver and gold under the blazing sun, to the cluttered roads, a little disorganised with innumerable number of majestic hotels, cafes, and chai hubs; and the ragas and thalas 'floating'out of the cultural sabhas, Chennai stands tall, justifying its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its rich musical tradition. The city has something for everyone. The city and its unique Margazhi season have given me an identity, cradled and nurtured me, and that is how my art found an anchor. I could be travelling to the most exotic country in the world, but my heart always yearns to return home — to the city and its warmth! (As told to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)
Borneo Post
27-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Kuching and Rouen, France explore gastronomy friendship city initiative
Wee (left) and Mayer-Rossignol exchange greetings during the meeting. KUCHING (June 27): Kuching and Rouen, the capital of the northern French region of Normandy, are exploring the potential to establish a Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City partnership for mutual benefit. This interest was expressed by Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and Rouen Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who is also President of the Rouen Normandie Metropolitan Area, when the former paid a courtesy call on the latter during his participation in the XVII UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) Annual Conference held in Enghien-les-Bains, France, a statement read today. The proposed Kuching–Rouen Gastronomy Friendship City initiative is aimed at deepening collaboration between the two cities through joint programmes that connect gastronomy, cultural heritage and digital innovation. Both Kuching and Rouen were designated UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy in 2021, positioning them as unique partners in promoting sustainable urban development through food culture. During their meeting, the two mayors exchanged ideas and best practices on integrating gastronomy with cultural, heritage, and community-driven initiatives. The discussion also touched on the impact of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), on the culinary and cultural sectors. Both Wee and Mayer-Rossignol recognised AI as a valuable tool that, when used responsibly, could enhance creativity, preserve food heritage and support innovation in gastronomy-related policies and practices. Friendship City gastronomy city Rouen wee hong seng
Leaders
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Buraidah to Take Part in UNESCO Creative Cities Network Annual Conference
The Saudi city of Buraidah will participate in the 17th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), along with other 350 creative cities across over 100 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Set to take place from June 23 to 26 in Enghien-les-Bains, France, the conference will discuss the integration of artificial intelligence into cultural development. Represented by Qassim Chamber Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Buraidah's participation comes as a culmination of Qassim's continuous efforts to support the creative city file. Importantly, the event will foster sustainable urban growth and tackle the evolving relationship between technology, culture, and sustainability. Themed 'Culture and Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of UNESCO Creative Cities,' the conference will also address the opportunities and challenges of the AI. Moreover, the event will offer a significant opportunity to boost the strategic direction and global impact of the Creative Cities Network. Therefore, it will serve as a platform to accelerate the localization of the 2030 Agenda's cultural objectives. By strengthening dialogue with relevant stakeholders, the event broadens the impact and outreach of the Network and its member cities. Related Topics: Buraidah Oasis Achieves Milestone towards Environmental Sustainability Kleija Festival 2025 to Kick Off in Buraidah Buraidah Ready to Kick off Dates Carnival Buraidah Summer Festival 24 Attracts Visitors with Diverse Events Short link : Post Views: 16
Arabian Post
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
UNESCO and SACIT Join Hands with ICONCRAFT to Celebrate Thai Artisans and Thailand's Creative Cities Network
A landmark exhibition of Thai artisanship and contemporary design, inspired by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and featuring two debut clutches handcrafted from master-woven textiles by the SIRIVANNAVARI brand BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 June 2025 – UNESCO and Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization), a national agency promoting Thai craftsmanship, have joined hands with ICONCRAFT—Thailand's hub of creative innovation–to launch the campaign, 'UNESCO x SACIT x ICONCRAFT: A Celebration of Thai Artisans and Creative Cities.' This nationwide initiative celebrates the cultural legacy of Thai textile traditions from the seven UNESCO Creative Cities across Thailand. These heritage textiles, crafted by national master artisans, are reimagined into contemporary fashion pieces by seven of Thailand's top design houses, as well as the prestigious brand SIRIVANNAVARI, founded by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. ADVERTISEMENT The event, attended by UNESCO Director – General Audrey Azoulay, on her first official visit to Thailand, launches a long-term collaboration to empower cultural entrepreneurs, promote sustainable innovation, and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative economy. It also reinforces Thailand's commitment to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), which includes more than 350 cities worldwide. Thailand's recognized Creative Cities–Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Chiang Rai, and Suphanburi–serve as the foundation for this initiative and their distinctive cultural assets inspire the designs on display. Event Highlights At the heart of this exhibition is a collaboration between seven top-tier Thai fashion brands and local artisan groups, with each designer creating two exclusive outfits inspired by a different Creative City—14 looks in total: ATELIER PICHITA – Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the Tai Lue Weaving Group by Master Dokkaew from Chiang Rai Designs inspired by the Tai Lue textiles of the from Chiang Rai THEATRE – Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from Ban Don Manow Thai Song Dam Weaving Group in Suphanburi Designs using Black Tai (Thai Song Dam) textiles from in Suphanburi CHAI GOLD LABEL – Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by Rak Batik Group in Chiang Mai Designs drawing from Northern-style batik by in Chiang Mai HOOK'S BY PRAPAKAS – Designs based on hand-painted batik from Ying Batik Paint Group in Phuket Designs based on hand-painted batik from in Phuket WISHARAWISH – Designs using the intricately patterned Pha Lai Yang fabric by Phusa Pha Lai Yang in Phetchaburi Designs using the intricately patterned fabric by in Phetchaburi PYVET – Designs crafted from Porcupine Pattern Pha Jok by Suntaree Thai Textile in Sukhothai Designs crafted from by in Sukhothai JANESUDA – Designs showcasing brightly colored batik from Marionsiam in Bangkok SIRIVANNAVARI x Chansoma Collaboration Among the standout creations are two exclusive clutch bags, personally designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya. Crafted from Kaew Ching Duang silk–a textile symbolizing prosperity and harmony–these pieces were handwoven by nationally honoured master artisan Weeratham Taragoonngernthai, founder of the Chansoma brand in Surin Province. Embroidered with exquisite detail, each clutch is a one-of-a-kind creation, specially designed for this occasion. ADVERTISEMENT Royal Ensemble Exhibition Another event highlight is the first-ever public exhibition in Thailand of eight Royal Thai Ensembles worn by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, curated by the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The designs, by Tirapan Wannarat, founder of the Tirapan fashion house and Thailand's 2019 National Artist in Visual Arts (Fashion Design), will be on display from June 25–29 at ICONLUXE AVENUE, M Floor, ICONSIAM. Featured ensembles include: Thai Ruean Ton Dress – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace – Crafted from brocade silk with Chao Fa motifs, inspired by traditional teakwood houses in Dusit Palace Thai Chitralada Dress – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns – A formal silk outfit with standing collar and embroidered white floral patterns Thai Amarin Dress – A pink silk pha sin featuring golden rose vines, historically associated with the birthday of King Rama V Event Schedule The special collection will debut at Crafts Bangkok 2025, from 18–22 June 2025 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, before its formal launch on 25 June at ICONSIAM. Alongside the textile showcase and royal attire exhibition, visitors will have the rare opportunity to purchase or bid on selected pieces. A special auction will include the limited-edition silk clutches by SIRIVANNAVARI. Proceeds will support a UNESCO initiative to expand access to creative education for young people in Thailand's Creative Cities. Don't miss this chance to celebrate Thai cultural heritage, admire the craftsmanship of local masters, and witness how creativity continues to shape Thailand's future. Hashtag: #ICONCRAFT #ICONCRAFTatICONSIAM #ICONSIAM #SIAMPIWAT #SACIT #UNESCO The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
India Today
12-06-2025
- India Today
Making the case for Lucknow's UNESCO nod
Muskuraiye, aap Lucknow mein hain!The City of Nawabs, Lucknow, is the largest city in Uttar Pradesh and has now secured a place as India's official nominee for the UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy. From the unique craftsmanship of chikankari and the concept of tehzeeb (social etiquette), to the historical legacy of monuments and the aroma of kebabs freshly off the stove, Lucknow is royalty served on a city brims with heartwarming hospitality, history, traditions, and is a treasure trove of mouthwatering delicacies. This nomination has officially put Lucknow's culinary heritage on the world map. Bara Imambara (Photo: author) According to the official website, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network was established in 2004 and currently comprises 350 cities. It recognises these creative cities based on seven creative fields - crafts and folk art, design, film, gastronomy, literature, music and media Awadhi legacySpeaking of the foodscape in Lucknow, calling it a haven for food is probably an understatement. It's the aroma of Awadhi cuisine that lures people into this central idea of Awadhi gastronomy is the use of rich spices and a slow cooking method. These traditions take you back to the Nawabi era, where food was not just a meal, but an experience. Awadhi biryani is slow cooked to perfection (Photo: Pexels) Awadhi cuisine has traces of Mughal influence now intertwined with Persian and Indian culinary practices. The dum style of cooking, where they slow cook to perfection, is a proud gift from Awadhi cookery ft. LucknowFrom breakfast to dinner, vegetarian to non-vegetarian, Lucknow's got something for every craving. From Sharma ji ki chai to Dastarkhwan to Tunday Kebabi, Lucknow is indeed a creative gastronomy space. Here are some of the iconic dishes that are a hard pass. You will know why. Bun maska and tea at Sharma Ji Ki Chai (Photo: author) Kebabs – Awadhi kebabs are celebrated for their bold flavours and melt-in-the-mouth textures. They are an essential part of the region's culinary heritage. From kakori and galouti to shami, boti, patili-ke-kebabs, and seekh kebabs, the variety is impressive. And then there are the lesser-known gems, best discovered while strolling through the bustling streets. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The City Diary | Lucknow (@thecitydiarylucknow)Korma – It is a rich, creamy curry that traces its origins to Mughal cuisine. Packed with robust spices, it is usually made with chicken or vegetables. While it's considered comfort food, it carries a royal – Whether made with mutton or chicken, nihari is a slow-cooked meat stew that stays true to Awadhi traditions. It's perfect for those 'I want to eat something rich' cravings. Just onions, garlic, and a handful of spices are enough to work the magic. Mutton Nihari is a famous, flavoursome dish from Lucknow (Photo: Pexels) advertisementAwadhi Biryani – Aromatic, subtle yet full of character. The biryani is infused with flavours and is slow-cooked to Chaat – The iconic basket chaat is a burst of flavours. It features a crispy aloo tikki basket filled with chickpeas, papdi, spices, curd, and chutneys. The Royal Cafe is believed to be the creator of this masterpiece. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhawan (@ a day of ganjing, getting lost in the maze of Bara Imambara, and soaking in the charm of Lucknow, indulging in Lucknawi food is pure bliss. Every bite tells a story. And of course, let's not forget the tehzeeb at the table! And does that mean Lucknow stands a chance to win the title? Hell yes!Tune InMust Watch
