Creative cities lure artistic souls with a flair
Alone in Paris, the gentle breeze caressing the dainty cherry blossoms in a soft dance, I sat in a Ladurée tearoom near the Place de la Madeleine. Before me is a fragrant rose tea along with an Ispahan, a blissful pastry made of rose macarons sandwiching a whipping of rose petal cream, lychees, and raspberries. A history book on how Louis XIV spearheaded the beautification of Paris and France’s luxury lifestyle is propped open and my smile is as rapturous as the pastry cherubs adorning the salon’s artworks. As I study my itinerary for the upcoming days, I beam at the prospects of visiting a chic mix of museums, gardens, cafés, and neighborhoods adorned by creatives over the centuries.
Since time immemorial, civilization has revered beauty in all its manifestations. The notion of creative cities is in itself beguiling – infusing urban design with the arts and culture by attracting the aesthetes, connoisseurs, gourmands, intellectuals, and artists of the world to do their magic. A stroll in any creative city is a spellbinding experience, as you pass along museums that house untold treasures, galleries with gorgeous artworks, and charming cafés with sumptuous delicacies. Creative activities are abundant, such as literary festivals, live performances, and film screenings. Perhaps most importantly, we should appreciate the numerous creatives who, over centuries, adorned cities with their beautiful, timeless masterpieces. In fact, during the 17th and 18th centuries, European aristocratic families would send their children to major European cultural cities as part of their essential education in the arts, dubbed as the “Grand Tour”.
But… Paris is Paris. It has a way of serenading those with a keen eye for ubiquitous beauty. Today, it is one of the most visited cities in the world and its notable suite of cultural treasures is impressive, including 4,000 historic monuments, 140 museums, 700 theatres, and 5 opera houses. The gastronomy scene is fit for a king with over 22,000 restaurants serving the most theatrical cuisine ever imagined. It is also a powerhouse for creative industries, such as design, fashion, music, performing arts, publishing, and the visual arts.
Interestingly, Paris underwent a major urban renovation during the mid-19th century to attain its current coveted crown. To achieve this ambitious project, Emperor Napoléon III recruited a new prefect of Seine, the notable Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, and commissioned him to make Paris “more beautiful”. He wanted Paris to reflect the true glory of the French empire.
Between 1853 and 1870, the city experienced an urban renaissance that was designed to enthrall, no less. The masterplan included constructing expansive avenues and boulevards, charming squares within chic neighborhoods, opulent theatres, whimsical gardens, ornate architectural façades with elegant balconies, and the iconic Parisian street lamps.
Visitors today can marvel at Baron Haussmann’s artistic ingenuity and revel in many attractions, such as the Étoile area around the Arc de Triomphe, the restoration of the gardens of the Champs-Élysées, the Opéra Garnier, and the completion of the last wing of the Louvre – to name but a few accomplishments. Furthermore, his team planted 600,000 trees and added a further 1,835 hectares of green space to Paris.
Paris attracted established writers and artists during the 1920’s. At the time, literary cafés were the public, glitzy equivalent of exclusive literary salons. Writers were often seen there, working away on their now-renowned works or conversing with other contemporaries. Cafés, such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, regularly hosted artists, writers, and intellectuals, such as Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
American writer Ernest Hemingway fondly recalls a particular restaurant, La Closerie des Lilas, where he wrote his sumptuous Paris memoir, A Moveable Feast. Hemingway’s words feel like animated pictures weaving beautiful renditions, conversations, and stories on the charms of Paris, in addition to glimpses of his writing assignments, his friendships with fellow authors, his favorite writing spots around the city, and the time American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald gave him a manuscript of The Great Gatsby for his appraisal. Hemingway later tells a friend, “If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Writers also frequented independent bookshops as cradles of intellect, such as the Shakespeare and Company bookshop, founded by Sylvia Beach in 1919. The store brought together many French and expat writers at the time, such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, T.S. Eliot, and D. H. Lawrence. Interestingly, Beach published James Joyce’s book, Ulysses, which would be considered of literary significance. Writers’ works often found their way to theatres and the works of famous playwrights, such as Molière, Jean Racine, and Victor Hugo, have been portrayed onstage at many of the majestic theaters of Paris.
An artistic tour is not complete without a detour to the glitzy French Riviera. Driving along the labyrinthine coastal roads, you could not help but be mesmerized by the deep blue of the Côte d’Azur with its shimmering sparkles. Each of the pretty towns enjoy an artistic flair to them; so much so that one feels like wandering through a living painting, complete with picturesque landscapes, fragrant gardens, elegant architecture, and a profound appreciation of the arts.
It is no wonder that artists and authors such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Francis Bacon, Edith Wharton, Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir flocked to this region for inspiration since the late 18th century. Glitzy actors and actresses were also seen filming on the Côte d’Azur, such as Audrey Hepburn in Paris When It Sizzles, Grace Kelly and Cary Grant in To Catch a Thief, and Julia Stiles in Riviera. French master perfumer Jean-Claude Ellena is the mastermind behind the perfume Un Jardin en Méditerranée by luxury brand Hermès, a fragrance that is reminiscent of the tantalizing scents of a Mediterranean garden. He notes that a perfume must be like “a soft caress; nothing must shock, nothing must shout.”
In 1924, the acclaimed American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, moved to the French Riviera with his family to concentrate on his writings. He had been struggling to get any writing done at his home in Long Island, New York, often lured by its frenetic social calendar and the hefty cost of living. His sojourn in the south of France proved to be fruitful, as it was there that he completed The Great Gatsby, which became one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century.
His fourth and final work followed, Tender is the Night, a novel that captures the glamorous lifestyle of the glitterati on the French Riviera, gifting us with many memorable quotes, such as “Actually that’s my secret — I can’t even talk about you to anybody because I don’t want any more people to know how wonderful you are”. Fitzgerald also published a mini travelogue for The Saturday Evening Post called How to Live on Practically Nothing a Year, sharing his adventures on the Riviera, finding his dream villa overlooking the sea, driving along the panoramic views, enjoying its gastronomy, and living languorously.
The Riviera’s gorgeous landscapes attracted recognized impressionist painters. Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a French artist, bought a gorgeous property in Cagnes-sur-Mer (between Nice and Antibes) in 1907, and spent his final years painting in his atelier. His wispy, dreamlike paintings capture the exquisite landscapes near his home, picnics amidst gardens, ravishing bouquets, sun-kissed fruits, and the sweeping views from his walks by the sea.
Elsewhere, many cities have recognized the value of the arts in remaining timeless. The vision of Venice remains fabled, almost dreamlike, with its aquatic, meandering canals that have bewitched painters, writers, art collectors, and theatre devotees as early as the 7th century. Styled adoringly as ‘La Serenissima’ – the Most Serene – Venice has been a magnet for visitors, who remarked on its much-admired disposition for tolerance, freedom of expression, hospitality, and its patronage of the arts.
As one of the cradles of European civilization, Venice paved the way for the opening of the first opera house to a paying public, the first European theatre, and the first coffee house. Publishing houses were founded as early as the 14th century and lured a clique of writers to the city. It is remarkable to note the spellbinding effect Venice has had on many creatives, near and afar, as the city continued to grow into a major cultural center to date. Its sumptuous calendar of activities includes the Venice Film Festival, the Carnival of Venice, art exhibitions, cooking contests, masquerade balls, live opera performances, and traditional romantic Venetian serenades sung by gondoliers.
In 1844, English writer Charles Dickens moved his family to Italy for a year-long sojourn from his writing career. Two years later, he published his travelogue, Pictures from Italy, in which he muses over his visit to Venice in an ethereal scene “a place of such surpassing beauty, and such grandeur, that all the rest was poor and faded, in comparison with its absorbing loveliness”.
Many creative luminaries would also be captivated by the city and reflect it in their works, such as Voltaire, Richard Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Edith Wharton, and Leo Tolstoy. English playwright William Shakespeare chooses Venice as a partial setting to two of his masterpieces, The Merchant of Venice and Othello. It is interesting to note, however, that neither did Shakespeare set foot in Italy nor did Jean-Antoine Watteau, the 18th century French painter, who was celebrated for his whimsical paintings. Yet, Venice still managed to capture the imagination of these daydreamers. Watteau’s celebrated painting Fêtes Vénitiennes or ‘Venetian Festivals’, is currently showcased in the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh, and depicts a romantic Venetian garden with an interplay of elegantly dressed characters.
Throughout history, the benevolent contributions of patrons of the arts have enabled creatives to conceptualize the most beautiful masterpieces that are a testament to humanity’s beautiful expressions. The House of Medici, a prominent Florentine banking family, remains one of the most influential arts patrons who were instrumental to spurring the Italian Renaissance during the 15th century. To fortify their status in Florentine society, the family generously patronized artistic, literary, and architectural works from rising artists and luminaries. The list boasts the great architect Filippo Bruneschelli who reconstructed the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Michelangelo who produced his first significant works under their patronage, and Leonardo da Vinci who received support for seven years by the Medici. The family also commissioned impressive architectural projects which are still considered exceptional cultural attractions in Florence today, such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Boboli Gardens, the Medici Chapel, the Palazzo Medici, and the Belvedere.
One of a city’s greatest allures is the variety of artistic festivals on offer. Festivals have been an intrinsic part of our social and cultural histories for millennia. There is a certain frisson emanating from the hosting of festivals, the masses bonding together over a common celebration, experiencing transformative or ethereal moments, and etching a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
The Chelsea Flower Show in London is considered the world’s most prestigious flower show, showcasing exceptional garden designs, dreamy landscaping projects, and pavilions awash with ravishing flowers that are sure to impress. The show first took place in 1913 and remains a much-loved event, garnering extensive publicity and attended by the British Royal Family. Its sister festival, the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, held at the majestic royal palace of King Henry VIII, is equally sumptuous. Another successful cultural event is the Edinburgh International Book Festival, a popular literary event hosted at the gorgeous and historic Charlotte Square Gardens in the city of Edinburgh. The festival welcomes inspiring writers from across the globe to deliver 900 literary events.
The yearly Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan has grown to be a major cultural celebration, attracting around 63 million domestic and foreign tourists to witness its evanescent beauty at play. Research by Kansai University finds that the Cherry Blossom Festival injects a whopping $5.8 billion to Japan’s economy. Travelers are spoilt for choice during the festival and entertaining activities include boat cruises floating by lines of cherry blossom spots, pretty picnic setups with beautifully packed bento boxes to be savored in dreamy cherry blossom spots, cherry blossom-themed afternoon teas at gorgeous cafés and glitzy hotels, and a fantastic food scene with many cherry blossom-inspired delicacies.
Cultural districts are also major tourist attractions as they offer a glimpse into the city’s exciting cultural scene. Many cities are revitalizing urban spaces with distinguished cultural districts that offer rewarding visitor experiences, such as Paris, Abu Dhabi, Seoul, Melbourne, London, and New York. For example, the West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong is considered one of the largest cultural projects in the world. This marvelous 40 hectare urban space overlooks the mesmerizing Victoria Harbor and offers exceptional cultural programs.
Within the region, the UAE is flourishing as a world-class creative destination. Its city maps are dotted with a suite of sparkling cultural attractions, such as book fairs, literary festivals, film premiers, art exhibitions, live performances, creative schools, and workshops. Special creative and cultural visas are issued to attract talents in the creative industries.
The city of Abu Dhabi, for example, is home to the Saadiyat Cultural District, which hosts state-of-the-art museums, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and Zayed National Museum. In fact, the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s unrivalled collections are considered artistic, historical, and cultural treasures. Abu Dhabi Art is recognized as an eminent international art exhibition, with many galleries and artists flying in to showcase their outstanding works. Recently, Abu Dhabi announced plans to invest $6 billion over five years to develop its creative industries. This will include investments in new museums, in addition to the performing arts, gaming, media, and music sectors.
Nearby, the city of Dubai also enjoys a prominent presence amongst cultural aficionados, with a fantastic calendar of cultural events, such as the Dubai Art Season. Dubai Design Week is the region’s leading event featuring design-related events and exhibitions. The annual Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is on its 13th edition, hosting author talks, masterclasses, and exhibitions. The Al Fahidi Historical District is a nostalgic, yet gorgeous venue for hosting the Sikka Art Festival, where its maze of sikkas, or lanes, surprise visitors with kaleidoscopic exhibitions from the world of art, poetry, storytelling, music, and film.
The Dubai Design District is a trendsetting hub for creatives in the fields of design, fashion, and culture. It offers a mix of commercial and co-working spaces, retail spaces, and warehouses. Recently, Dubai announced the Al Quoz Creative Zone project as a new creative hotspot, serving as a hub that offers rental spaces, facilities, services, and incentives for creative businesses and talents to work in the city.
The theatre scene is vibrant and connoisseurs are able to attend riveting performing arts production all year round. For example, Dubai Opera welcomes the finest selection of opera, ballet, orchestras, concerts, and theatre shows in its glittering 2000-seat auditorium. Previous dazzling shows include Kahlil Gibran’s Broken Wings, Gisele, Ludovico Einaudi, and The Phantom of the Opera.
Sharjah was awarded the title of the UNESCO World Book Capital title in 2019. For bibliophiles, the Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the biggest literary events of the year. First established in 1982, it now attracts more than 2,000 publishers and 2.2 million visitors from across the globe. Recently Sharjah inaugurated the iconic House of Wisdom library, which houses over 305,000 books. Another fantastic venue is the Sharjah Art Foundation, founded as a contemporary arts and cultural hub with regular exhibitions, film screenings, live performances, artist talks, and art education programs by acclaimed Arab and international artists.
The UAE continues to invest heavily in world-class cultural facilities, such as public libraries, museums, design zones, art galleries, and opera houses. And rightly so. In 2013, the UNESCO, International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers, and EY published an illuminating report on the economic contributions of cultural and creative industries worldwide. Globally, these sectors generated $US 2.25 trillion globally (3% of world GDP) and employed 29.5 million people, making them the fastest growing sectors worldwide. On this regard, it is important to bring to attention that cultural tourists make up 35.8% of total tourism, according to the World Tourism Organization. Urban economists are also shedding light on the importance of urban beauty on cities’ economic growth and citizens’ happiness. It seems that people are happiest when living in an aesthetically designed city.
In 2004, the UNESCO launched the Creative Cities Network to propel the economic, creative, and social opportunities offered by creative industries. Transforming into a creative city entails following a set of guidelines, such as nurturing creative talents through arts education and residency programs, preserving and promoting cultural assets, investing in new creative infrastructure, supporting commercialization of creative products for local and global markets, financing cultural exchange through translation and collaboration projects, and garnering media attention to support the creative industries.
But perhaps on a more contemplative level, creative activities serve not only as amusing experiences; for they are also passageways for contemplation, social connectedness, and identity evolution. Increasingly, more doctors are prescribing arts therapy as a proven method to improve physical and mental wellbeing, in addition to combating loneliness, anxiety, and depression. These insights position the creative industries as a unique feature of modern urban design, which endeavor to deliver not only economic prosperity to cities but to also elevate the human experience of its residents and visitors.
Indeed, creative cities possess all the charms to lure us to their playgrounds, infusing our souls with wondrous ideas, boundless inspiration, and cherished experiences. Creative cities excel in romancing ordinary life with enchantment and consequently, are able to spark the imaginative masterpieces lying dormant within us. They also leave us with lingering reveries that make us long for more of that magic. We should heed the words of the scholar and explorer Ibn Battuta, who once said: “Traveling — it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
Published in Shawati Magazine Fall Issue 2021.
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