About Us - UNESCO EXPO

About Us .

Our Mission

Over the past year, Aesthetica has cemented its position as a powerhouse for the Creative Industries, driving change, strengthening the ecosystem and championing innovation across the region and beyond. Under the leadership of Director, Cherie Federico, we have launched a series of transformative initiatives in partnership with businesses and cultural leaders. These include Reignite, a quarterly event series accelerating talent development and cross-sector collaboration; the Creative Business Skills Academy, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to thrive; and a citywide Filmmaking in Schools programme, creating educational pathways for the next generation. This year also marks the formation of the Creative & Cultural Advisory Board, a strategic body dedicated to amplifying the creative economy and shaping its future. As York celebrates 11 years as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, Aesthetica continues to showcase the region’s talent and demonstrate how businesses in the North of England are competing on national and international stages. Together, we are using our UNESCO designation to unlock opportunities, inspire innovation, and drive lasting economic change across the creative sector.

UNESCO City Of Media Arts

York is one of just 26 cities worldwide selected by UNESCO for its exceptional outputs in Media Arts. Other global destinations that share this prestigious status include Austin, Texas; Sapporo, Japan; and Toronto, Canada. Our achievements in York are on a par with these leading international cities, placing us firmly on the global stage and demonstrating the strength and ambition of our creative sector. To fully harness this potential, we must provide clear progression routes and pathways into the creative industries, enabling individuals at every stage of their careers to develop the skills, confidence, and networks they need to succeed. Aesthetica’s Reignite initiative embodies this vision, bringing together businesses from across every sector – creative, heritage, retail, hospitality, transport, and services – to collaborate, innovate and drive meaningful change. This UNESCO designation is not just a title; it is a powerful tool that must be embedded into the city’s ecosystem. By uniting behind it, we can create new opportunities, strengthen our economy and collectively go much further.