New Orleans has been designated a global 'Creative City of Music' by UNESCO

It’s official: New Orleans is a world-class “Creative City of Music.”

Capping off a years-long effort by local tourism leaders, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, has made New Orleans a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

The Creative Cities Network has 350 member cities in more than 100 countries. New Orleans is only the 10th American city.

Of those 10, only New Orleans and Kansas City earned UNESCO's “Creative City of Music” designation.

The application process commenced three years ago and was facilitated by New Orleans and Co., the local tourism industry’s official destination marketing and sales organization.

“Not only does this designation fortify our seat at the global table, but it opens avenues for our culture bearers to