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Still at least 22 cities and areas in the running to become first UK ‘City of Culture’

147/09
6 November 2009

Lancaster, Southend-on-Sea and Swansea Bay join race for title

The competition to become the UK’s first City of Culture in 2013 has entered its next phase with 22 cities submitting their Outline Proposals by last month’s deadline.  Although others can still come forward by the deadline for Initial Bids of 11 December, a strong field is emerging with three new areas – Lancaster, Southend-on-Sea and Swansea Bay – joining the running in the last few months.

Each of the 22 cities has now got expert feedback on their plans before deciding whether they want to submit a firm and final bid.

The 22 are Aberdeen, Barnsley, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton and Hove, Cheshire West and Chester, Chichester, Cornwall, Derry, Durham, Gloucester and Cheltenham, Hull and East Yorkshire, Ipswich and the Haven Gateway, Lancaster, Manchester\Salford, Norwich, Pennine Lancashire, Portsmouth and Southampton, Sheffield, Southend-on-Sea, Swansea Bay, and Wakefield. 

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said:

“The UK City of Culture competition has caught the imagination of people all over the country.  The city or place winning the title for 2013 will enjoy a golden opportunity to have the spotlight of national attention focused on them.  They will have the chance to show the rest of the UK what they have to offer.  So there’s everything to play for, and the prospect of a really good competition in the weeks to come.  I can’t wait to see what each place has to offer, and which ones go into the next round.”

The next mile post in the competition comes on 11 December, the deadline for initial bids.  A shortlist will then be drawn up in January 2010 and those chosen will have until 28 May 2010 to submit a full and final bid.  The winning city or place will be announced in the Summer.


Notes to Editors

  1. Ben Bradshaw announced the launch of this competition in July 2009 (DCMS Press notice 97\09).

  2. We expect bids to be from a partnership from the city or area.  This will need to include the relevant local authorities, with a lead organisation (normally a local authority) for the purposes of communication during the bidding process.  The definition of ‘city’ is intended to be flexible – what matters is the ability of the host to deliver a substantial programme of cultural activity in 2013, that can demonstrably lead to a step change in the area.  There must be a clear central focus to the area, although part of the programme can be delivered in a wider hinterland (as was the case in Liverpool, Capital of Culture 2008).  The location that is bidding should have a clear identity for visitors: a city and its hinterland, or a closely linked set of urban areas.

  3. The Government welcomes bids from all areas of the UK.  The only areas precluded from bidding (at least for 2013) are London as a whole or any part of London.  The Government wants the inaugural UK City of Culture to be outside London, not least as the capital will have celebrated the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games the year before.

  4. Bids will be assessed in terms of the ability of the proposed City of Culture programme to make a step change in that city. Culture will not be narrowly defined but bidding cities will be asked to spell out their own vision for City of Culture and how they will use that in making a step change. Bidders will need to demonstrate:

    1. A high quality cultural programme that reaches a wide variety of audiences, and is a fitting follow-on from Liverpool Capital of Culture and the Cultural Olympiad;
    2. A programme that uses culture to lead to lasting social regeneration by engagement, widening participation and supporting cultural diversity;
    3. A demonstrable and significant economic impact from the programme;
    4. Credibility in their plans (including support from key partners) and track record in delivery; and
    5. A clear approach to maximising legacy and being able to evaluate impact.

  5. It will be up to bidders to find the necessary resources for bidding from their existing budgets and those of partners. DCMS have engaged the support of Regeneris Consulting to act as expert assessors throughout the process. Regeneris will be providing support to all bidders on understanding and interpreting the bidding guidance. Any information passed on to a potential bidder will be made available to all bidders in due course.

  6. The winning city will be provided with the title of UK City of Culture for their year, and given rights to the UK City of Culture brand, with scope to tailor it to their own city if desired. During the bidding process, initial bidders will be able to use a ‘bidding city’ version of the logo without the double c’s; shortlisted bidders will be able to use a ‘candidate city’ version of the logo. Logos and guidelines are available from DCMS Corporate Communications on 020 7211 6268 / 6051.

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200

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