Lyon's long-standing experience with digital media and culture, particularly digital games, was critical to the decision by a panel of experts from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to accept the French city's application, UNESCO said in a statement. Many companies that specialize in this field are based in Lyon. The city's public sector also devotes up to 20 per cent of its cultural funding to media arts, while Lyon itself is renowned for its annual festivals, including the Festival of Lights (Fête de la Lumière) and the Sound Nights (Nuits Sonores), a music event. |