UK City of Culture 2029 Longlist Announced
Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, and Milton Keynes are included among the nine locations shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029 title.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) revealed the nine-strong longlist on Wednesday. The list also features Portsmouth, Sheffield, Swindon, and Wrexham.
Each shortlisted city will receive £60,000 in funding, an increase from the £40,000 provided during the previous City of Culture competition, to support the development of a comprehensive bid.
The winning city, which will follow Bradford as the UK City of Culture, is expected to be announced later this year. The winner will be awarded £10 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural activities that highlight its "local strengths and stories."
The three runners-up with the most compelling bids will each receive £125,000 to advance some of their proposed projects.
Official Statements and New Town of Culture Award
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the shortlist announcement, expressing anticipation for the upcoming bids.
"I look forward to seeing what the nine longlisted places have in store."
She also encouraged towns nationwide to participate in the inaugural Town of Culture award competition, which closes on 31 March, to showcase their unique qualities for 2028.
"For far too long, opportunity has not been shared equally across the country," she said.
"The UK City of Culture and new UK Town of Culture competitions recognise the enormous contributions made by communities all over the UK who are all part of the story of who we are as a nation."
Impact and Selection Process
The UK City of Culture longlist was chosen by an independent advisory panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond, known for his work on Grange Hill, Brookside, and Hollyoaks.
"The competition would give each city the chance to use culture as the creative catalyst for change, raising awareness and changing perceptions," Sir Phil stated.
He highlighted the achievements of previous winners—Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry, and Bradford—who have demonstrated the depth and quality of cultural activity across the UK and the benefits of participation.
"The competition brings people together, to talk to each other rather than at each other, sharing commonality and tolerating difference. Above all, allowing places to demonstrate their own pride in their places."
Research conducted by the University of Warwick and Coventry University revealed that Coventry's tenure as City of Culture generated over £183 million for the local economy.
Last year, Bradford hosted the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition as part of its cultural programme, resulting in a 44% increase in visitors to the city's Cartwright Hall.
