“Portsmouth will keep shining a light on its arts and culture” despite disappointment over city of culture bid
Portsmouth organisations will continue to work together to champion the city
“Portsmouth will keep shining a light on its arts and culture”. That’s the message from a key organisation in the city following the news the city has not been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2029.
The Portsmouth Cultural Collective, representing a range of organisations such as the Portsmouth Guildhall, Aspex Portsmouth, The Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth Theatres and the historic dockyard, has said that it was “naturally disappointed” at the news. But it said it would continue its work together to champion the city.
A spokesperson said: “We would like to congratulate the four places that have progressed to the next stage of the competition and wish them every success in their bids.
“Formed in 2023, the Portsmouth Cultural Collective brings together organisations from across the city's cultural sector with a shared ambition: to champion culture within Portsmouth and to promote our city's rich creative and cultural offer far beyond our city boundaries.
“While we are saddened by today's news, it does not change our belief that Portsmouth is a city with an outstanding cultural identity and an exciting future. In recent years we have seen significant investment in cultural infrastructure, programmes and talent development, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy high-quality cultural experiences while supporting the next generation of artists, creatives and cultural leaders.
“The city's ongoing Portsmouth 100 celebrations have demonstrated the strength, diversity and ambition of our cultural sector, showcasing the stories, people and organisations that make Portsmouth such a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
“Although we will not be moving forward in the City of Culture process, the Collective remains committed to supporting and advocating for Portsmouth's cultural sector. We will continue to celebrate our city's heritage, creativity and communities, and to work together to ensure culture remains at the heart of Portsmouth's future.
“Portsmouth has much to be proud of, and our cultural story is far from finished.”
As previously reported by The News, today (Thursday, October 22) the government announced that Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham are the four places shortlisted in the competition.
The winner will receive £10m to deliver a year of cultural events and activities drawing on its "local strengths and stories".