A new UK Town of Culture competition has been launched by Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy, and Scottish towns are encouraged to apply when entries open in a few weeks.
This is a contest for small and medium sized towns which will enable them to tell their unique stories and show hoe important towns are in the nation.
Applications will be based on these criteria:
- Your story – the unique story of the town
- Culture for everyone – how the town will design a cultural programme for all
- Making it happen – how the town will then deliver a successful programme
The winning town will be awarded £3.5 million which they can spend on delivering a cultural programme in 2028. And those towns which make the shortlist will be awarded £60,000 each to help deliver their projects.
The UK City of Culture 2029 competition is also now live for larger towns and cities as well as regions to enter. This competition carries a confirmed cash prize of £10 million for the winner to roll out a year of “rich cultural activity”. And long listed places will receive £60,000 each, with those on the shortlist receiving £125,000 to help develop plans.
Ms Nandy said: “For far too long, too many people have felt left out of our national story. These competitions are our chance to change that by shining a light on the places that have shaped our cultural life, but haven’t always had the recognition they deserve.
“We already know from UK City of Culture that winning, and even bidding for, these titles brings real benefits – jobs, investment, and opportunities for people to get creative and learn new skills. Now I want towns to be able to get these benefits too and that is why I am proud to launch the UK Town of Culture competition.
“Every place has a story worth telling so I want to encourage towns across Scotland to step forward and show us what makes them special.”
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, Kirsty McNeill, said: “Scotland’s towns are home to remarkable stories and vibrant communities. They have a rich cultural heritage and deserve to be celebrated on the national stage. From our historic burghs to our industrial heartlands, Scottish towns have shaped our shared identity and continue to be at the heart of our national life.
“I encourage towns across Scotland to seize this opportunity. Whether you’re showcasing centuries of tradition or celebrating modern creativity and innovation, the UK Town of Culture competition offers a fantastic platform to highlight what makes your town special – while delivering real economic benefits and opportunities for local people.
“This competition, alongside UK City of Culture 2029, demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to ensuring every part of Scotland can share in the UK’s national story.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, MSP, said: “From Dumfries & Galloway to Na h-Eileanan Siar, Shetland and the Borders, our towns and cities have all contributed to the expression of Scotland’s culture, which is known throughout the world – and ever evolving, thanks to the many passionate and hardworking creatives and organisations whose work continues to bring communities together.
“Previous UK City of Culture awards have drawn significant cultural, social and economic boosts for successful applicants so I would urge all communities across Scotland to consider how they could benefit as a UK City or Town of Culture and put themselves forward when applications open.”
Chair of the UK City of Culture independent expert advisory panel, Sir Phil Redmond said: “The UK City of Culture competition is a huge prize and one well worth bidding for as witnessed by the positive impact the year has had on Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and already now in Bradford.
“It is great therefore, that the new Town of Culture competition will allow more places to experience the catalytic effect that culture can deliver, while raising awareness both internally and externally across the UK. That in turn brings increased visitors, a greater sense of local pride and a deeper understanding of what binds our four nations together.”
