City makes cultural shortlist

Norwich has made it on to the shortlist of four cities to become the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013 – and we want to get the backing of the whole city as we compete for the prestigious title.

It will compete with Birmingham, Derry/Londonderry and Sheffield for the title and the winning city will be announced in the summer.

Liverpool demonstrated how cultural city status can transform a city and its economy and if Norwich is successful, it could bring long-term economic and social benefits.

An independent advisory panel chaired by Phil Redmond, creative director of Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2008, will review the bids and make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who will make the final decisions.

Norwich City Council and the City of Norwich Partnership are leading the bid and have been working with a number of cultural organisations, including Writers’ Centre Norwich and the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Over the next three months, in the lead up to the announcement, we will be developing the bid along with local arts and cultural groups.

Our bid in 2003 to become the European City of Culture brought all kinds of rewards to Norwich, including more Arts Council investment in the city.

The UK City of Culture bid is seen as the second phase of that process and a great opportunity to ensure the benefits of a thriving cultural city are enjoyed by all of its neighbourhoods.

Councillor Steve Morphew, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “I am absolutely thrilled we have made the shortlist. This is a fantastic opportunity to use culture to make a real difference to people in Norwich, to encourage stronger links between neighbourhoods and the city centre, and make sure the whole city is vibrant and culturally active.

“Even being shortlisted means Norwich is recognised nationally and internationally as an important city of culture and will enjoy all the things that will bring. We would like to thank all the arts organisations which have helped with our bid so far and look forward to working with everyone in the city as we try to claim the title."

Graham Creelman, chairman of the City of Norwich Partnership, said: “To make the shortlist of four cities for UK City of Culture is a tremendous achievement in itself. But we’re not resting on our laurels – we want to win this.

“We really believe the engagement of the people of Norwich in cultural activity of all sorts is key to our well-being and success as a city, and as a force in the region. We’re up against tough opposition, but we know that our offer is strong and, importantly, has support from communities and organisations right across the city and beyond. “

Chris Gribble, of Writers’ Centre Norwich, commented: “We are delighted at Norwich’s shortlisting for UK City of Culture. As the UK’s first International City of Refuge and with a bid to become England’s first UNESCO City of Literature well underway, the UK City of Culture accreditation would be well-deserved recognition for a vibrant, thriving and creative city.”

For the latest news and updates about Norwich's bid and information about how to get involved, visit www.norwichcityofculture.co.uk