Exeter launches bid to become UK’s City of Culture

'When it comes to culture we believe Exeter has so much to offer'

Exeter has thrown its hat into the ring to become the UK’s City of Culture.

The city council today announced that it will be submitting an expression of interest for the title for the year 2029.

Council leader Phil Bialyk (Lab, Exwick) said: “This is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a chance to put Exeter once again on the national and international map.”

Plymouth has already announced its bid for the prestigious 2029 title, along with other cities including Bristol, Portsmouth, Ipswich and Wrexham.

The bid follows five months of consultation with artists, creatives, cultural organisations and residents to shape a five-year ‘cultural strategy’ for the city.

The city council says it aims to deliver ‘a lasting legacy’ for Exeter, embracing climate science, heritage, literature and artistic ambition.

“It is a globally open-minded, welcoming place for new ideas,” says the local authority. “This will set out a clear ambition to become a leading city of culture.

“Exeter is a city that has always held space for people to think differently and experiment creatively at the fringes.”

The UK City of Culture competition has been running since 2013 and is designed to support cities, towns and regions across the UK to deliver a year of cultural activity rooted in their unique identities and drawing on local strengths and stories. 

The winning city will receive £10 million to spend on culture and improve cultural opportunities in their area.   

Cllr Bialyk said Exeter had already demonstrated its ability to rise to the big occasion by hosting men’s and women’s rugby World Cup matches.

“We have more than demonstrated the city’s ability to host big international events that put culture at the heart of our offer,” he said.

““Exeter already has a thriving cultural quarter. We are a UNESCO City of Literature, and there is already so much going on in terms of arts, culture and leisure, across the city. But it doesn’t have to stop there. We believe we can harness our strengths to improve that offer and make Exeter the UK City of Culture for 2029.”  

City council chief executive Bindu Arjoon added: “We are a city that thinks differently. Exeter is a youthful, growing city and a regional capital. When it comes to culture, we believe Exeter has so much to offer. 

“Culture has to matter in everyday life, for residents and visitors across the city and that’s at the heart of our bid. We want Exeter to be a city where people feel they belong, where opportunities are shared, and where place really matters.”