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A UK The city will secure a “grand prize” of £3.5 million to deliver a cultural event during the summer of 2028 through a new competition launched by the Culture Secretary.
The Town of Culture initiative is designed for small and medium-sized towns, with shortlisted communities receiving £60,000 to help them complete their bid for the competition.
It follows in the footsteps of new competition UK City of Culture The competition, which was won by the city of Yorkshire bradford For 2025.
“For too long, too many people have felt that they have been left out of our national story,” Lisa Nandy Said.
“These competitions are a chance to change this by shining a light on the places that have shaped our cultural life, but haven’t always received the recognition they deserve.
“We already know UK City of Culture There are real benefits to winning and even bidding for these titles – jobs, investment and opportunities for people to be creative and learn new skills.
“Now I want towns to get these benefits too and that’s why I’m proud to launch the UK Towns of Culture competition.
“Every place has a story worth telling, so I want to encourage cities across the UK to step up and show us what makes them special.”
Applications for the Town of Culture competition will be assessed on the basis of the town’s story, the design of its cultural program and the plan to deliver it.
Sir Phil Redmond, Chair of the UK City of Culture’s independent expert advisory panel, said: “The UK City of Culture competition is a huge prize and well worth bidding for, as can be seen from the positive impact it has already had this year on Derry-Londonderry, Hull, Coventry and the UK City of Culture. bradford,
“So, it’s great that the new Town of Culture competition will allow more places to experience the catalytic impact that culture can provide, as well as raising awareness both internally and externally across the UK.
“This in turn leads to an increase in visitors, a heightened sense of local pride and a deeper understanding of what binds our four countries together.”
Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture Executive Director Dan Bates and Creative Director Shanaz Gulzar said: “Bradford 2025 is the UK’s first City of Culture that is embedded within its surrounding district, reaching beyond the city center to villages, towns and rural areas.
“We have seen real impact – from artists bringing creativity to caring homes, vibrant murals coloring the streets, performances in parks creating community pride and investment in cultural buildings ensuring access to the arts for years to come – all celebrating Bradford and making it an even better place to live.
“It has been a huge privilege to be awarded this designation, and as we prepare to hand over the baton to the next holder of the UK City of Culture title, we are delighted to support the launch of the new Town of Culture competition.”
A nationwide drawing project supported by David Hockney, and an outdoor theatrical event created by magician Steven Freyne, formerly of Dynamo, are among the events taking place during Bradford’s tenure as UK City of Culture 2025.
Expressions of interest for UK City of Culture 2029 are now open and applications for Town of Culture 2028 will open shortly.