The Southampton UK City of Culture 2025 bid team is excited to announce that we have secured our place on the Shortlist, the final 4, to becoming UK City of Culture 2025.
UK City of Culture Shortlist is
Speaking today, Claire Whitaker OBE, Director of Southampton UK City of Culture 2025 Bid, said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many people for the achievement of winning a place on this shortlist. Three years of sustained work and thousands of people supporting us – not just in the communities of Southampton but across the wider Solent region. The bid has brought the city together, embracing the world of creators, children and young people, artists, academics, businesses and civic leaders. This is a moment of celebration for all of us.
“Southampton is undeniably a great British city. It is the nation’s front door. We’ve built and developed our maritime industry, put sport on the international stage, developed our cultural sector and throughout the years are known as a welcoming City of Sanctuary.
“In Southampton we are uniquely positioned, facing outwards to the world. A world in which collaboration, co-operation and partnership are needed more than ever.
“The engine of this country’s recovery in a fragile world will be the spirit and dynamism of people. And culture, the way it brings us together in all its diversity, is crucial to how we will build a better future for everyone.”
Shelina Permalloo, Chair, Southampton UK City of Culture 2025 Bid, said: “Winning BBC’s Masterchef changed my life. And opening my own restaurant here in my home town means so much to me, being able to play a real part of a community that I love. But Southampton winning the title of UK City of Culture will change all our lives. This opportunity is full of promise for a wonderful future.”
International music star Craig David MBE, Southampton bid Ambassador, added his congratulations today saying: “I am so proud of our city, the place where I was born and grew up. I owe everything for my inspiration and success to my family and beginnings in Southampton. This golden opportunity must not be wasted. I want the world to know that Southampton is worthy of this title and that I wholeheartedly back the city to realise its dream to be UK City of Culture 2025.”
Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, Leader, Southampton City Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted to the final four in the competition to become the next UK City of Culture in 2025! This selection has built upon a tremendous amount of hard work which has gained real momentum over the last two years. 150 businesses, cultural and community organisations, and 10 neighbouring local authorities are all backing us. We have learnt so much more about our city and place together – the needs, the opportunities and the way in which we can bring about transformation the city and region needs to reach its full potential.
“We will continue to work closely with our vibrant and diverse communities, excellent businesses, world class universities and regional partners to deliver a distinctive and high quality bid internationally. Together let’s #MakeitSO!”
Lord Parkinson, Minister for Arts, said today: “I’m delighted that Southampton is on the shortlist for UK City of Culture 2025. This has been a tough competition with a record 20 initial applications and eight outstanding longlist candidates, so this accolade is a real tribute to the quality of creativity on display in the city. I look forward to seeing what Southampton’s bid has in store next!”
Find out more here: https://southampton2025.co.uk/
