Coventry would make a great City of Culture
The role brings a wealth of social cultural and economic possibilities... a chance to raise our profile and build for the future
That’s the opinion of city council leader
GEORGE DUGGINS who explains why Coventry is the perfect candidate to assume the coveted role in 2021...
“COVENTRY would make a magnificent UK City of Culture 2021. The year would be a celebration of our inspiring past, the wonderful multicultural city we are today and a look ahead to an exciting future. But it is not just a celebration and a title – a successful bid would mean so much for our city and create a lasting legacy. The role brings a wealth of social, cultural and economic possibilities – a chance to raise our profile on the national and international stage and build for the future. It is a chance to create something special for the people who live, work and study here. We also believe our city has a story that deserves to be told. We are a city that once housed Parliament; the Phoenix city that rose from the ashes of the Second World War; and the birthplace of the British motor industry. We are the home of Lady Godiva and 2-Tone; a city of peace and reconciliation that has reached out in friendship to others around the world and offers sanctuary to those in need. The Coventry of today is a strong multicultural city, made up of many communities who have enriched our lives by bringing a wealth of cultures, celebrations, cuisine and arts to join our wonderful museums, theatre, sport, concerts and festivals. Our two award-winning universities attract the brightest young people from around the world and bring a new vibrancy to the city. And the city itself is changing. New restaurants are adding to our nightlife; a water park is being built; and we have
plans for a new shopping centre. The years ahead will see our skilled workforce help us lead the way in new technologies such as driverless cars, electric vehicles, superfast broadband and aerospace technology.
A successful bid will help us celebrate all of that – and create even more. Since we first announced our intention to go for the title it seems that our city has come to life like never before, with so many events involving thousands of people.
That is because of the bid – just think of the effect if we win.
We have a truly amazing city that deserves its place on the national stage – and its residents deserve the benefits and opportunities a successful bid would bring for them and their children. That is why we are backing the bid.