Exeter announces its bid to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2029
Exeter City Council has today announced it will be submitting an expression of interest (EOI) for the prestigious UK City of Culture title.
The City of Culture bid follows the culmination of five months extensive engagement and consultation with artists, creatives, cultural organisations and residents to shape the council’s commissioned new five-year Cultural Strategy for Exeter.
This will set out a clear ambition to become a leading city of culture. The new Exeter Culture Strategy is ambitious and will be delivered in partnership with the city’s cultural organisations.
Exeter is a city that has always held space for people to think differently and experiment creatively at the fringes.
The bid for City of Culture will focus on delivering a lasting legacy to ensure Exeter becomes a place where everyone feels creative confidence – more connected and included.
In Exeter’s role at the heart of the region it can shape the cultural weather, inspiring leadership across climate science, heritage, literature and artistic ambition. It is a globally open minded, welcoming place for new ideas.
The deadline for entries is 8 February.
Exeter is set to join other cities, Plymouth, Bristol, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wrexham in a race for the sought-after status.
The UK City of Culture competition has been running since 2013 and is designed to support cities, towns and regions across the UK to deliver a year of cultural activity rooted in their unique identities and drawing on local strengths and stories.
The winning city will receive £10 million to spend on culture and improve cultural opportunities in their area.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Exeter. It’s a chance to put Exeter once again on the national and international map.
“Culture is embedded in our sport in Exeter and following two Rugby World Cups in the city – the Men’s in 2015 and the Women’s last year – we have more than demonstrated Exeter’s ability to rise to the occasion and host big international events that put culture at the heart of our offer.
“Exeter already has a thriving cultural quarter. We are a UNESCO City of Literature, and there is already so much going on in terms of arts, culture and leisure, across the city. But it doesn’t have to stop there. We believe we can harness our strengths to improve that offer and make Exeter the UK City of Culture for 2029.”
Exeter’s bid reflects the work of the emerging new Culture Strategy for Exeter.
Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said: “We are a city that thinks differently. Exeter is a youthful, growing city and a regional capital. When it comes to culture, we believe Exeter has so much to offer.
“Culture has to matter in everyday life, for residents and visitors across the city and that’s at the heart of our bid. We want Exeter to be a city where people feel they belong, where opportunities are shared, and where place really matters.”
