‘Government wants to help deliver City of Culture ideas’
LORD Dafydd Elis-Thomas has said the Welsh Government wants to work hand-in-hand with Swansea to deliver aspects of the unsuccessful 2021 City of Culture bid.
The Culture, Tourism and Sport Minister Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas was in the city yesterday 12 days after it lost out on the title to Coventry.
It was the second time Swansea has lost its bid to take the title which would have brought with it millions of pounds in new investment and a year-long celebration of the arts.
Lord Elis-Thomas said the bid’s strength coupled with the numerous opportunities during 2018’s planned “Year of the Sea” event meant it remained what he called “a time of real opportunity for Swansea”.
The Minister said he was keen to continue working with partners from across the region to ensure the “energy, confidence and passion which was so evident in the run up to the 2021 decision continues and bears fruit”.
He said: “From museums and galleries to beaches and foods, I’ve been fortunate enough today to sample a small cross section of the world class, diverse offering Swansea has to offer visitors from all over the world.
“After meeting business owners, councillors and members of the extremely talented Swansea 2021 bid team, I’m clearer than ever that the region has all the ingredients to be very optimistic about the coming years, both in further enhancing its unique offering and driving up visitor numbers. I’ve been very encouraged by initial talks ascertaining what their culture and tourism priorities are for the city.
“It is testament not only to the bid team but to the city as a whole that the drive, confidence and passion remains plain to see. This is a city ready to capitalise on the opportunities of the future and that is something I’m determined to support in any way I can.
“One such opportunity will be during next year’s Year of the Sea, the third of our hugely successful themed year approach to promoting tourism in Wales. With such a unique coastal offering, internationally recognised beaches and landscapes and an increasingly diverse food and drink offering, there is much reason for optimism for the Swansea region during 2018 and beyond.”
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said he remained confident the city had put up a credible bid, with the judges’ feedback confirming the quality and ability of all the shortlisted cities to deliver an outstanding year of culture.
He added: “We are primed to deliver a truly transformational vision and programme for Wales to demonstrate how culture is a key means for lifting pride, ambition, profile and reputation for inward investment; galvanising the support of businesses and cross-sector working to tackle poverty, while increasing cohesion, connectivity and wellbeing.
“We always had a plan if we missed out on the UK City of Culture 2021 title, so the minister’s visit has given the team the opportunity to discuss the next steps for culture in Swansea and Wales as we continue to be a city that celebrates and welcomes talent.
“Major projects like the digital indoor arena forming part of the Swansea Central development will also still be going ahead, with construction due to start late next year, and the Year of the Sea tourism theme in 2018 gives a major opportunity to further boost a thriving tourism industry that’s already worth more than £400m a year to Swansea Bay’s economy.”