Work has already started on delivering Coventry’s plans for its 2021 UK City of Culture status.
The city beat Paisley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sunderland and Swansea to win the title, which is currently held by Hull.
It should receive millions of pounds from the government to fund the City of Culture year, and is in line for £3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The first build-up event will be held in March 2018, a Shop Front Theatre Festival. Later in 2018 the city will celebrate the 100th anniversary of St Michael’s being designated a cathedral, with a major new lighting commission.
So far, the plans for 2021 include:
- A 2.2-mile Ring Road poem
- The screening of the entire works of Shakespeare in iconic locations
- An artist-led festival, ‘Moments of Silence’, to play on the myth of being ‘sent to Coventry’
- The Tale of Two Streets project, photographers’ views of two of Britain’s most diverse streets.
Laura McMillan, Manager of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, says: “This is a win for Coventry, a win for young people and a win for diversity. The economic impact will be huge for the city and the West Midlands.
“Over the next three years we will ensure that everyone in the city, which has been moving people by cycle, car and jet engine, is now moving people through culture.”
Coventry City Council leader George Duggins says: “Since we announced our intention to bid, we have seen the incredible effect it has had, with a staggering variety of events and exhibitions that have brought people together and breathed new life into our city.
“I can only imagine what’s to come over the next four years as we build on that.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, says: “This is a clear message that the Midlands is working together as a team. Coventry has shown how partnerships make a real difference. This is a chance to help people realise that the city has so much to offer from its medieval past to its modernist architecture, creative talent and diverse youth.”
