OutdoorArtsUK congratulates Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham on being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029.
OutdoorArtsUK congratulates Blackpool, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Wrexham on being shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2029. The announcement recognises four places using culture as a tool for civic ambition, local identity and long-term development.
We are particularly pleased to see shortlisted places that already demonstrate the value of culture in public space. From Blackpool’s Lightpool Festival, to the renowned outdoor commissions of Milton Keynes International Festival, to Wrexham’s growing outdoor arts offer through events such as Spirit Fest by Paallam Arts, outdoor arts is helping to bring communities together and create memorable shared experiences. Sheffield is home to creatives who contribute to the strength of the UK’s outdoor arts sector, such as Pif Paf Theatre, demonstrating how creativity and community engagement can thrive beyond traditional cultural venues.
Recent experience from Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture has demonstrated the power of culture in public space to reach large and diverse audiences, create shared experiences and build pride in place. The prominence of free, accessible outdoor events and public celebrations throughout the programme reinforced the important role that outdoor arts can play in delivering cultural ambition at scale.
As the competition progresses, we look forward to seeing how each shortlisted place builds on these strengths and uses outdoor arts to articulate and showcase its unique identity.
