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Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature reports festival, youth and international exchanges; warns federal review of UNESCO relationship could affect ties
Summary
John Kenyon, executive director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature organization, reviewed local programming, partnerships and international connections and warned that a federal review of U.S. ties to UNESCO could affect federal support though not the city's designation.
John Kenyon, executive director of Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature, briefed the Johnson County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12 about the organization’s local festivals, youth programs and international collaborations and noted a federal executive order is prompting a review of the U.S. relationship with UNESCO.
Kenyon said the Creative Cities Network designation has given Iowa City an international platform and described three pillars of work: annual festivals and events (the Iowa City Book Festival and the upcoming 1 Book, 2 Book children’s festival), recognition and support for writers (awards and residencies) and international exchanges with other UNESCO Cities of Literature. "We are 1 of 53 cities of literature and 1 of 350 members of this overall creative cities network," he said, noting Iowa City was designated in 2008.
Kenyon reported the recent Book Festival included more than 50 free events and drew large audiences, and he highlighted upcoming events: the 1 Book, 2 Book children’s festival on Feb. 22–23, Music IC chamber-music/literature events in April and the October Iowa City Book Festival. Kenyon said the program also supports student writing competitions, poetry programming countywide and partnerships with University of Iowa projects such as the Anne Frank initiative.
On UNESCO policy, Kenyon said an executive order from the federal administration has asked for a review of the United States’ relationship with UNESCO. He said a withdrawal would not automatically strip local designation but could reduce federal support and relationships with the U.S. mission to UNESCO. "If we were to be withdrawn from UNESCO again, that would not affect our designation... but it certainly would have ill effects on our relationship with the state department and UNESCO in general," he said.
Supervisors thanked Kenyon for the update and praised the organization’s role in local literacy and cultural programming. Kenyon also acknowledged Chairperson Green’s service on the City of Literature board and welcomed Supervisor Remington as the county’s representative.
Why it matters: Iowa City’s UNESCO designation supports cultural programming, festivals and international connections that draw audiences and create opportunities for local writers and youth. Potential changes in federal-UNESCO relations could affect federal-level support and diplomatic links, though Kenyon said local programming would continue.
What comes next: Kenyon and his board will continue festival planning and local partnerships; supervisors said they will remain supportive and engaged with upcoming events.
