What is Cultural and Creative Sector (CCS)

Culture and creative industries are nowadays a most relevant dimension of cities' economies and a fundamental asset of the tourism sector. The rise of COVID-19 has strongly and negatively impacted these resources, triggering responses from international organizations and municipalities eager to address the emergent constraints and difficulties experienced by society. This chapter analyzes how UNESCO assisted state members in dealing with the situation through the dissemination of information, studies, and reports, and how cities reacted to lockdowns, reduction of revenues, and the need to support and encourage their citizens. The analysis of information provided by UNESCO Creative Cities and World Heritage Cities concerning activities implemented provide a broad image of cities' reactions to the pandemic and of creative field distinctiveness.