PERTH 2021 New support for culture bid
Provost’s delight at Aviva backing
Provost Liz Grant has spoken of the benefits she hopes winning the title of UK City of Culture 2021 will bring.
Her comments come as prominent local employer Aviva has announced it will officially be backing the Fair City’s attempt to land the coveted crown.
The Provost said: “I am delighted that Aviva has decided to back Perth to become the next city of culture in 2021. Perth previously housed the headquarters of General Accident, which eventually became a part of Aviva through mergers, so the business has lots of historical ties with the area.
“I’ve been strongly encouraged by the level of support coming from the business community, particularly some of the large national and international organisations which are based here. Businesses recognise that Perth stands to gain a lot by winning this important title. This year Hull will generate over £60m from being the 2017 City of Culture, which demonstrates the power of culture to regenerate economies and open up new creative opportunities.
“Since being crowned City of Culture in 2013, Hull has received Grant Provost Liz
over £1bn of investment and a growing number of people, businesses and organisations in Perth and Kinross realising that our area could similarly benefit if we were to win.
“I welcome Aviva’s support and I look forward to any ways we can work together on the Perth 2021 bid.”
The FTSE 100 company – based in the city under various monikers for 130 years – is now the fourth major private sector organisation to voice its support for Perth’s campaign.
A spokesperson for the Pitheavlisbased insurance specialist said: “Aviva is delighted to back the bid for Perth to become UK City of Culture 2021.
“Aviva has been a part of the Perth community since General Accident was formed here in 1885.
“Our people have a great affinity and history within Perth, but we are particularly supportive of the theme of ‘belonging,’ emphasising the city’s role as a meeting place and drawing on the rich heritage as a catalyst for creativity and ideas.
“Aviva is proof that major UKwide – and, indeed, international – innovation programmes can be driven from Perth.
“We believe that heritage is a very important base on which to look forward and drive these new innovations and increasingly digital solutions for customers.
“We are convinced that Perth matches that ambition and look forward to Perth’s increasing aspiration and capabilities supporting us to do that even more effectively in the years to come.”