The municipal program connecting young audiences with leading cultural institutions was selected as a Culture 21 “Good Practice” by the global cities network UCLG
Tel Aviv’s Devek initiative has received international recognition from the Culture 21 Awards jury, which selected the program as a Good Practice in urban cultural innovation.
The Culture 21 Awards, organized by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), recognize cities and local initiatives that demonstrate innovative connections between culture, cultural rights and sustainable development. This year, 59 nominations were submitted by cities and local governments worldwide.
Launched by the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality in 2022, Devek was created to help established cultural institutions build stronger and more meaningful relationships with younger audiences. In just four years, the initiative has developed into a leading model for making public culture more accessible, relevant and engaging for a new generation.
In 2025 alone, young audiences purchased nearly a quarter of a million tickets to events at participating cultural institutions through the initiative.
Devek works closely with cultural institutions to develop new approaches to programming, communication, marketing and audience experience, while maintaining the artistic quality and identity of each institution.
Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “The international recognition of Devek reflects Tel Aviv’s commitment not only to supporting our outstanding cultural institutions, but also to ensuring that they remain relevant to the next generation. Devek demonstrates that it is possible to innovate within tradition, connect young people with culture without compromising its quality, and create a model that attracts interest beyond Israel. We are proud that an initiative developed here in Tel Aviv is now being recognized internationally.”
The program began as a pilot involving ten institutions, later expanded to 18, and became a permanent municipal policy in 2024. It currently works with many of Tel Aviv’s leading cultural organizations, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, the Israeli Opera, the Cameri Theatre, Habima National Theatre and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art.
The model has recently expanded beyond Tel Aviv with the launch of Devek Israel, an initiative designed to introduce its approach in additional cities across the country.
Devek event in collaboration with the Israeli Opera Photo Shahaf Haber 2
Devek event in collaboration with the Israeli Opera Photo Shahaf Haber 2