Adelaide has joined the World Cities Culture Forum, becoming the third Australian city, alongside Melbourne and Sydney, to be part of a global network of more than 45 cities that place culture at the centre of city planning and investment.

Membership supports international collaboration, shared learning and access to global research. It also contributes to stronger cultural policy development, supporting jobs, tourism and community wellbeing.

Founded in 2012 by cities including London, New York City, Tokyo, Paris and Sydney, the Forum brings together city leaders, policymakers and cultural agencies who share a commitment to learning from one another. The Forum focuses on how culture can help cities become fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable places to live, work and create.

Adelaide’s inclusion reflects its strong reputation for cultural excellence and innovation. The city is recognised internationally for its year‑round cultural life and for embedding arts, culture and creativity into everyday city experiences.

Through the Forum, Adelaide is already sharing recognised examples of culture‑led city development. This includes the transformation of the Adelaide Central Market precinct through the creation of the Market Square district, which balances heritage, public life and economic growth while strengthening the city’s cultural and culinary role.

Adelaide is also recognised internationally for its leadership as a UNESCO City of Music, including the introduction of Australia’s first special‑purpose planning controls to protect live music venues in the city centre. This approach demonstrates how culture can be embedded in planning systems to support creative activity while enabling cities to grow and adapt.

By joining the Forum in 2026, Adelaide is reinforcing culture as a core part of its future, supporting artists and creative workers, strengthening community connection, attracting visitors and contributing to the city’s social, cultural and economic vitality.