Published on 02 November 2017
The judging panel are in Sunderland today, Thursday 2 November, to help make their decision about whether Sunderland should be UK City of Culture 2021 and everyone in the city is encouraged to share why Sunderland should win.
Please tweet @DCMS your reasons using the hashtag #WelcometoSunderland, along with a photo of your choice.
#WelcometoSunderland is all about capturing that feel-good factor in our city at the moment and sharing the things that we love about Sunderland.
Friendship is a key theme for this bid, and #WelcometoSunderland is an opportunity to extend the hand of friendship digitally and ensure the judges leave with a fantastic impression of Sunderland.
The judges will be in the city from 9am - 2pm. During this time judges will be shown our beautiful coastline, cultural assets such as University-run National Glass Centre, the Empire theatre, The Fire Station, Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens and Arts Centre Washington.
Shirley Atkinson, the University of Sunderland’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are very proud to be playing a lead role in Sunderland’s increasingly vibrant and creative culture, which is engaging audiences, bringing together communities and enriching lives. Our City of Culture bid is a tremendous opportunity to share the ingenuity, enthusiasm and determination of our city and its people with an even greater audience.”
Sunderland has a unique energy and ambition which makes this the perfect opportunity to bid to be UK City of Culture. From the new bridge, to the Vaux site; from the regeneration of the seafront to the redevelopment of buildings like the old Fire Station, the city is undergoing unprecedented change. Building on this momentum, as well as world class cultural assets like the Empire and the National Glass Centre, there’s never been a better time for Sunderland to win.
The UK City of Culture bid is an opportunity for Sunderland to establish itself as a national centre for arts, heritage and culture. A successful UK City of Culture bid would put the city firmly into the cultural spotlight, attracting millions of pounds into the local economy through investment in the arts and an increase in visitors and jobs. It would kick-start a four year period of growth, innovation and creativity and culminate in a year of exciting cultural and artistic events.
The bid has been written by a team from the University of Sunderland, the MAC Trust and the City Council, with lots of help and support from everyone across the city to make the best bid for Sunderland and spread the word about the opportunity.