Pittsburgh Aims for UNESCO City of Literature Designation

Written by Christine Julia Dingzon

Pittsburgh is known for its rich legacy in steel, sports, and education, but its thriving literary culture is ready to take center stage. Starting this month, the city will apply for the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network designation as a City of Literature, a recognition that celebrates literary excellence and innovation.

This designation would highlight Pittsburgh’s vibrant literary scene and help address key challenges like improving literacy access, preserving local cultural heritage, and fostering creative opportunities. By uniting the literary community, this initiative aims to uplift the city’s authors, readers, educators, and organizations, ensuring literature remains a vital part of Pittsburgh’s identity.

The effort to secure this title is being led by City of Asylum, a key advocate for literature in Pittsburgh, along with partners like Littsburgh. To succeed, the team is seeking contributions and ideas from local writers, readers, and organizations to showcase the depth and diversity of Pittsburgh’s literary culture.

This is more than a recognition; it’s an opportunity to build connections across the city, supporting emerging writers, and strengthen programs that make literature accessible to all Pittsburgh residents. Whether you’re passionate about writing, teaching, or simply enjoying a good book, your voice can help shape this effort.

To get involved or share your thoughts, contact Caeley at cmccagh@cityofasylum.org. Together, we can showcase Pittsburgh’s literary brilliance and take a transformative step forward for our community.