A Haitian city devastated by the 2010 earthquake has been designated as Austin's newest "". Mayor Lee Leffingwell says has a lot in common with the Live Music Capital. It's a creative city, famous for its arts scene, film institute and scenic beauty.
Friendship cities are supposed to foster cooperation between their respective residents and businesses. It's not quite as big a deal as the "Sister City" designation, which typically involves more collaboration between local governments and a more formalized agreement.
Jacmel (pronounced ) is home to Haiti's only film school, . Students there have already partnered with an Austin non-profit called Students of the World to document theand its efforts in Haiti's reconstruction. The Austin Film Society says that it looks forward to developing a creative relationship with Cine Institute.
鈥淎ustin can have a strong presence in the reconstruction of Haiti," Mayor Leffingwell said in a press release. "I believe the continued relief efforts can use our relationship with Jacmel and promote other Friendship Cities between Haiti and the United States."
Jacmel is Austin's second friendship city. It shares the title with . Austin has
You can see a photo gallery of Jacmel .