Kelowna and London, Ontario Begin Cultural Collaboration
4:30 pm Monday, July 20, 2026
Kelowna is teaming up with London, Ontario, creating a bond between these two UNESCO recognized cities.
The largest city in the Okanagan received the title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in October 2025.
Meanwhile, London earned its designation as a UNESCO City of Music back in 2021.
Now, both cities are initiating a cultural exchange to highlight each other’s unique qualities.
A part of this exchange includes sending local country music performer Jonathan Williams to London for the Home Country Music and Art Festival on July 24 and 25.
“Jonathan Williams’ selection is a proud moment for our community,” said Tascheleia Marangoni, executive director of Creative Okanagan, a nonprofit that supports musicians.
“We are excited to partner with London to help fund Jonathan’s travel so he can perform at Home Country. This chance not only highlights his amazing talent – it also promotes Kelowna and the Okanagan within Canada’s creative scene and the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network.”
At the Home Country Music and Art Festival, there will be promotional materials showcasing Kelowna’s UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy recognition.
“The exchange of artists, ideas and experiences is exactly what the UNESCO network was designed to encourage. We hope this marks the start of a long-lasting relationship between our two cities and sets an example for future partnerships across Canada’s Creative Cities,” said Cory Crossman, director of the London Music Office and focal point for UNESCO’s City of Music in London.
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