Sheffield, alongside eight other places in the UK, are celebrating the recognition they have recieved for their city’s cultural scene after being longlisted for UK City of Culture 2029.
The announcement follows the development of music education at Harmony works, a new Cultural Industries Hub on Fargate, expansion planning for Castlegate heritage quarter and continued investment in Sheffield Museums.
Jemma Frazer, University of Sheffield student, said: “I’ve gone to a lot of events in Sheffield, obviously we have tramlines, but there’s lots of little events dotted around that you don’t need to look hard to find out about. There’s just so much to do and you don’t have to look far, especially to do with museums, music and art.”
Nearly 25,000 creatives live and work in the city and wider region, contributing over £1bn a year to the economy.
Each place that is featured in the longlist will receive £60,000 to develop a full application that highlights the fantastic elements of Sheffield’s culture, with Sheffield City Council aiming to continue working closely with communities.
Tommy Elliot, University of Sheffield student, said: “It’s such a great place for live music, with lots of free gigs, and also opportunities to go to the theatre. Sheffield is really good for all of the arts.”
The nine locations longlisted are: Sheffield, Blackpool, Inverness-Highland, Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Swindon and Wrexham.
Councillor Tom Hunt, leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Culture isn’t separate from how Sheffield grows, it’s part of how we build a stronger, more confident city. It brings people in, creates jobs and joy, supports our independent artists and businesses, and helps talent choose to stay and build their future here.
“This is a brilliant moment for our city and a chance to showcase the confidence, creativity and ambition that defines Sheffield today. Let’s dream big and celebrate loudly!”
The winner is expected to be announced later this year, with the prize being a £10 million cash sum, and runners up to receive £125,000 to fund cultural projects.
Top image credit: Image by Tramlines and Carolina Faruolo