Key Role of Outdoor Arts in UK City of Culture: Expressions of Interest Now Open

Hull City of Culture 2017

Our Director Sho had the opportunity to listen to Martin Green's keynote speech at Festivals Awayday organised by 18 Hours recently. In his speech, Martin reflected on his time as Director of Hull City of Culture in 2017 and the key role Outdoor Arts played for Hull.

Hull's City of Culture showed how bold, place-led storytelling can change a city's narrative and confidence. Moving beyond the tired tales of decline in fishing industries and wartime bombing, Hull's programme surfaced fresher identities. Playful, community-rooted projects like Land of Green Ginger and Hull 2017's defining image, a 75-metre wind-turbine blade installed as public art, turned Hull's positive future into newly found stories of civic pride, galvanising councils, businesses and residents. The result was a visible lift in morale and belonging. Outdoor Arts has the power to reshape place and public spirit, and in Hull's case, the legacy continues annually through Freedom Festival.

Bradford City of Culture

Similar story is playing out in Bradford this year, and the evaluation reports of previous Cities of Culture show many examples of the importance of our sector. You can read about details of the Expression of Interest and past evaluation reports from DCMS website here.

New Town of Culture Programme

In addition to opening the EOI application for Cities of Culture, DCMS has released further information on the new Town of Culture programme. More details on application process is due to be announced soon. Likewise for Cities of Culture, OutdoorArtsUK is advocating for our sector to play a key role in Towns of Culture proposals.

Outdoor Arts Sector Briefing Document

OutdoorArtsUK's own Briefing Document has many other case studies exemplifying the key role our sector plays in City of Culture events, alongside other important community events.