Towards cultural sustainability in creative cities: what George Town, Malaysia can learn from Kanazawa, Japan?

Abstract The sustainable development discourse is currently at a crossroads where focus of its meaning and dimensions for holistic and real development have to be revisited. It has to be more inclusive and all-encompassing to also include culture. This study examines cultural sustainability in culture-led creative cities like George Town and Kanazawa. Though both cities purportedly leverage on culture, but the Kanazawa exemplar has proven to be a more successful model. Through qualitative approaches, this study investigated the George Town context vis-à-vis Kanazawa. Findings suggest that the development and theoretical discourse in George Town should formally include culture. It should be incorporated into George Town’s development plans and be part of the agenda for good urban planning and governance to ensure cultural diversity and sustainability.