Six reasons to back the Stoke-on-Trent City Of Culture Bid
The UK City of Culture title is designed to use culture as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration, and raise the profile of arts and creativity both locally and across the country.
It also helps cities develop a broader high quality arts and culture sector, as well as attract increased business investment and boost tourism.
Lasting for 12 months, the title is a hard fought competition that is entered by several cities in the UK and is only awarded once every four years.
Stoke-on-Trent, a close neighbour of Keele University, is competing to be awarded the UK City of Culture title for 2021. Whilst that may seem like a long way off, the bid to become the City of Culture has already begun - with the result announced at the end of this year.
In the first of this series of articles supporting the bid, we outline six reasons to back Stoke-on-Trent for City of Culture in 2021.
It’s good for business
Being awarded the title of UK City of Culture will bring new jobs, along with an estimated one million visitors from all over the world.
Hull, the 2017 UK City of Culture, is expecting a boost to its local economy of £60 million this year alone - Hull has already seen a £1 billion increase in investment since it won the title in 2013. Now Stoke-on-Trent has the chance to do the same, attracting inward investment and boosting local businesses.
Tourism
Over one million people visited Derry (Londonderry), in the year the city won the the City Of Culture title. Stoke-on-Trent is the world centre for ceramics heritage, and has a thriving tourism offer - the benefits of an additional year-long programme of arts and culture events will be enormous.
Above - Trentham Gardens, one of Stoke-on-Trent's most popular tourist destinations
The legacy
The legacy of being the UK City of Culture will live on forever, bringing benefits for communities and continuing to give Stoke-on-Trent a greater voice on the international cultural stage, attracting more arts and culture into the city. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Recognition for the people
Winning the bid would undoubtedly shine a light on the people of Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas, celebrating the many cultural groups in the city who would see their work recognised on a national and international stage.
A platform for art and culture
Winning the City of Culture bid would give a huge boost to creative industries and individuals in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, and provide improved educational opportunities for children in the area.
Above - students from Keele Drama Society
It’s fun
There are so many events and activities to get involved with as part of the bid that it’s difficult to know where to start. But the Stoke-on-Trent for City of Culture website is a really great place to start.
