For Mayors & Municipal Governments

City Governments &
Mayors

How city governments and mayors can compete to represent their nation in New York City through the International Cultures Celebration global ecosystem — presenting tourism, business, education, diaspora engagement, and cultural heritage to a culturally engaged NYC audience.

How can a city represent its nation in New York City?

Each year, every participating nation selects one city to represent it on the NYC stage. City governments apply to their national selection process. The winning city becomes the official national representative at the International Cultures Celebration in New York City — presenting tourism, culture, trade, education, and diaspora engagement throughout NYC, and participating in the International Cultures–Immigrants Parade on Avenue of the Americas, and securing a recognized Country Star to amplify media visibility. For the 2027 founding cycle, the application deadline is September 15, 2026; winning cities are announced September 21, 2026. The preparation window runs from September 21, 2026 through June 5, 2027.

What does the city receive by participating?

A participating city gains access to a shared international event, media, tourism, cultural, business, educational, sponsor, Passport to the World, and data infrastructure that may represent strategic value far beyond the participation cost when professionally activated. Independent NYC showcase production costs range from $415K to $1.67M. Cities also receive Passport to the World engagement data, sponsor reporting, qualified tourism leads, and post-event follow-up records. For 2027 founding cities, the $100,000 standard City Showcase participation fee is waived through the 2027 Founding City Showcase Grant when the country has three or more qualified candidates.

What does the city government need to commit to?

A formal application with municipal or ministerial endorsement; commitment to a local City Cultures Celebration before NYC; activation of Passport to the World in the home community; coordination with S.E.E.D. Member Organizations (cultural groups, churches, professional associations, diaspora networks); securing or bringing a recognized Country Star for the NYC Celebration; and good-faith participation in the cultural-diplomacy ecosystem. The city is supported throughout by the International Cultures Mission and partner organizations.

How can city governments use cultural diplomacy, tourism, business, and education through the Celebration?

The NYC stage and Passport to the World convert cultural presence into multi-dimensional outcomes: qualified tourism leads for the destination; B2B meetings for the chamber of commerce; education exchange and academic partnership presentations; diaspora reconnection and investment pitches; cultural heritage visibility; media coverage in NYC and home-country markets; and a measurable post-event opportunity record. The winning city activates its own local Celebration first, turning NYC participation into a year-round campaign for the entire municipality.

Quick Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who in the city government should apply?

Typically the mayor's office, tourism department, cultural affairs office, or chamber of commerce. The applicant should have or be able to secure municipal or ministerial endorsement.

Does the city need national government approval?

Yes — the final selection of the city to represent the nation requires official national approval. The application can be initiated by any credible city government body and validated through the national selection process.

When is the 2027 deadline?

September 15, 2026 for the application. Winning cities are announced September 21, 2026. The NYC Celebration is June 5–12, 2027.

Are smaller cities eligible?

Yes. Cities of all sizes can apply. The City Application form captures population range so the national selection process can evaluate readiness appropriately.

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The International Cultures Celebration Ecosystem

Start City Application

The 2027 Founding City Showcase Grant waives the $100,000 fee for qualifying cities. Deadline: September 15, 2026.