Detailed plans for a UNESCO Creative Cities designation bid are to be drawn up by Aberdeen City Council.
In March the Council set aside £250,000 to support a potential application, which would align with the local authority’s 2018-2028 culture strategy.
The City Growth and Resources Committee has asked for a fully developed budget, covering delivery, to be reported to a future meeting for approval prior to UNESCO launching the 2019 application process.
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization that seeks to build peace and prosperity through international cooperation.
The Creative Cities Network recognises some 180 cities in 72 countries as centres of excellence in literature, film, music, crafts and folk art, design, media arts and gastronomy.
Network activities range from sharing best practice to artistic exchange programmes.
Committee convener and council co-leader councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “A UNESCO Creative Cities designation could yield long-term social, economic and environmental returns for Aberdeen.
“The task now is to develop a detailed bid that is both robust and ambitious and which the Council and its partners can confidently get behind.”
Entries are expected to open in February with selections published in October 2019.
Applicants are required to establish a consultative group, comprising key stakeholders as well as Council representatives, to govern and guide the preparation of a bid.