It’s Perth’s time to shine in UK City of Culture bid
Leading figures in Perth have said that winning UK City of Culture 2021 would be the “icing on the cake” for an area already witnessing exciting developments.
Speaking after the formal launch of the competition on Thursday, Culture Perth and Kinross, the charitable trust set up to deliver and develop museum and library services, described Perth’s bid as “extremely strong”.
Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross, said: “We’re excited that the UK City of Culture competition has officially launched and we believe our bid is an extremely strong one.
“Perth received city status in 2012, the cultural development plans and our application for City of Culture status are the latest steps on the road to putting Perth, deservedly, on the map.”
Charles Kinnoull, chair of the board of Culture Perth and Kinross, added: “Here in Perth we have beauty, history and geographical location on our side. Council leader Ian Miller
“We also have a commitment by Perth and Kinross Council and Culture Perth and Kinross to regenerate the region’s cultural offerings.
“The City of Culture bid is a natural extension of this, and gaining City of Culture status would be the icing on the cake for us.”
Perth and Kinross Council leader Ian Miller said Perth’s bid was focused on delivering a “world-class cultural programme” that would bring longterm benefits to local communities.
He added: “These are two areas where Perth can excel. We have a hugely active cultural community and will be developing outstanding venues in the Theatre, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and City Hall - with our request to loan the Stone of Destiny front and centre of the programme.
“We have had fantastic community support and input, through our community cultural celebration, online and face to face. With past experience of hosting large scale event such as the Ryder Cup, with its successful legacy programme, we know we can pull this off.”
On Friday Perthshire-born actor Alan Cumming backed Perth’s bid, tweeting simply: “This is exciting! Go Perth!!”
Perth officially launched its intention to bid in August 2016 and the announcement has gathered
David Hayman’s role as Bob was hailed first time round increasing support from the local community and beyond.
The Perth 2021 bid is based on the Fair City’s strong cultural identity and heritage.
The prestigious 2021 UK City of Culture title, a position held by Hull this year, is a chance to use arts and culture as a catalyst for a city’s economic and social regeneration.
Perth’s bid - which also seeks to highlight a thriving arts and cultural offering across the entire Perth and Kinross region - is supported by Dundee City Council, which is bidding to be European Capital of Culture for 2023.
The 2021 team also has the backing of regeneration guru Wayne Hemingway. A Design Council trustee and professor in The Built Environment Department of Northumbria University, Wayne is, more importantly, known for his innovative and creative approaches to regeneration, housing and culture, making him an ideal ambassador for Perth 2021.