Exeter UNESCO City of Literature

Who we are

Exeter City of Literature exists to celebrate and support literary heritage and activity, locally and globally.

We believe in the power of words to imagine new possibilities for this world.

Our vision is for everyone to love stories and storytelling.

Our key strategic pillars are: Place-shaping | Well-being | Talent Development

The only City of Literature in the south of England - and one of only 63 globally - the title celebrates Devon’s rich heritage linked to some of the country’s most famous writers, including Agatha Christie, Ted Hughes, Michael Morpurgo, and Hilary Mantel.

Exeter Cathedral houses the Exeter Book, a 10th-century anthology recognised by UNESCO as ‘'the foundation volume of English Literature'' and ‘one of the world's principal cultural artefacts’.

Our culture and values

The UNESCO City of Literature designation means we can bring more skills, events, and opportunities to Exeter and Devon through an international network. We are a registered charity and an Arts Council supported organisation.

We are committed to supporting creativity and culture in our communities; whether that’s through creative projects, bringing authors and events to the region, or providing new forms of wellbeing support through literature, we are committed to helping celebrate local and global stories.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

City of Literature staff, Trustees, Partnership Network members, and collaborative partners will:

• Treat all individuals and groups with dignity, respect, fairness, and compassion so that we create an environment that is welcoming to all.

• Strive for excellence in all that we do, pushing boundaries and reimagining realities wherever possible.

• Champion a literary culture and the literary arts in and around Exeter, expecting the highest quality and innovative imagination in our programming, projects, and funding support.

• Uphold values that oppose racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, ageism, religious prejudice, and other covert and overt forms of discrimination and bias.

• Recognise that words and actions matter and understand that the absence of words and actions also matter. Impact is just as crucial as intent.

• Appreciate that becoming truly inclusive and respectful is a continuous process and that we all act in imperfect ways sometimes. Remain self-aware of our own limitations and flaws, recognising when we are not at our best and communicating openly to resolve problems.

• Ensure the experiences, values, and needs of under-represented, minority, and/or oppressed groups are represented and increased in policy, programs, practices, sponsorship, and Advisory Group membership.