Norwich City Council plays an important role in funding arts, sports and creative organisations, such as Cinema City (now at Norwich Playhouse), the Theatre Royal, the Maddermarket, Norwich Arts Centre, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Inspire Science Centre and the Norwich Sports Council. These grants are vital as they encourage a broad range of different community activities which help make Norwich unique.

Although Norwich was unsuccessful in the bid to be European Capital of Culture, the City has been recognised by the Government as a Centre of Culture. The aim is to promote the City as a tourist destination with a lively arts and cultural life.