Lyon, France | New York, USA | London, UK – May 2026
The Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) and The Food Capitals have signed a partnership agreement to further explore connections between gastronomy and culture in the urban context.
The two international networks, the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) and The Food Capitals, are officially launching a collaboration focused on exploring the links between cultural districts, cities, and urban gastronomy. Through knowledge-sharing, joint initiatives, and cross-sector dialogue, both organisations aim to deepen understanding of these intersections while fostering new ideas and collaborations among their members.
To mark the beginning of this partnership, Jessica Ferey, representing The Food Capitals, authored a thought leadership piece, A Taste of Place: Food and Gastronomy in the Recipe for Activating Public Space for GCDN’s Substack platform. The article highlights the role of gastronomy in cultural activation, drawing on initiatives developed within cities of The Food Capitals network. This contribution illustrates the strong complementarities between the two organisations and underscores the potential for shared reflection and action.
As part of this collaboration, GCDN Director Gregorio Lucena Scarpella will attend The Food Capitals Summit 2026 in Castelldefels, Spain, later in May. He will contribute to the session “The Feast, The Flop, The Fix,” offering insights into the role of cultural districts in shaping vibrant urban experiences and the integration of food and beverage as more than just an amenity. This occasion will also provide an opportunity to formally present the partnership to The Food Capitals members.
Looking ahead, this partnership lays the groundwork for a structured exchange between professionals working at the intersection of culture and food. By connecting their respective communities, GCDN and The Food Capitals aim to encourage experimentation, share best practices, and support innovative approaches to placemaking. In doing so, they seek to position gastronomy not only as a cultural expression, but also as a strategic lever for urban development and international cooperation.
The Food Capitals by Délice Network is the international network of cities committed to using food and gastronomy as powerful tools for economic and sustainable urban development, cultural identity, urban well-being, and city attractiveness. A French non-profit organisation founded by Lyon in 2007, the organisation connects cities that are innovating in food culture, food policy, and food systems. Through annual gatherings, study tours, collaborative projects, and ongoing exchanges, The Food Capitals has built and continues to develop a community that learns together, shares best practices, and shapes the future of food and gastronomy.
More info: www.thefoodcapitals.com
Follow on Instagram and LinkedIn: @TheFoodCapitals
The Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) is committed to improving the quality of urban life through the contribution of the arts, culture, and the creative industries. Initiated in 2013 by AEA Consulting, GCDN brings together policymakers, planners, and executives from widely diverse international contexts, all working at the intersection of culture and sustainable urban development through convenings, research and collaboration.
More info: www.gcdn.net
Follow on LinkedIn: @Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN)
