‘We have a track record of coming together and delivering’
A LONG history of making and creativity sits alongside Derby’s diverse cultural community and organisations that have worked together to create many vibrant events including Festé, Format photography festival, Derby Folk Festival, Darley Park Concert, Caribbean Carnival, St George’s Day celebrations and Derby Market Place.
Derby’s many cultural institutions include: QUAD, Derby Theatre, Sinfonia Viva, Déda, as well as Derby Museums. The city has a track record of coming together and delivering.
By working in partnership, it has delivered the Olympic Torch Relay, Feste, Made in Derby Walk of Fame and the Poppies: Weeping Window exhibition.
The recent Derby Folk Festival, nationally renowned and in its 15th year, was sold out.
Derby is the birthplace of the industrial revolution, the site of the world’s first factory, and a leader of the English enlightenment.
Always a city of innovation, today it is home to Rolls-Royce, Bombardier, Toyota and many others.
Current plans to embed culture in the heart of Derby’s recovery include the physical regeneration of the city centre, with the delivery of the new 3,500 capacity Becketwell venue and refurbishment of the Victorian Market Hall and Guildhall Theatre.
Derby City Council and University of Derby are exploring options to relocate Derby Theatre into a new purpose-built building on the site of the former Assembly Rooms in a bid to realise the vision of creating a new cultural heart for Derby around the Market Place area.
A council spokesman said: “The City of Culture bid is also about bringing life back to the city centre, by finding new uses for empty shops and creating cultural events to attract visitors, and about using culture as a starting point to improve wellbeing, opportunities and social mobility for its citizens.”
A partnership board comprising of organisations such as Quad, Derby Museums, University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derby College will help drive forward the bid.
The DCMS guidelines says that “towns and cities will need to articulate a strong and unique vision for their future growth, celebrating local heritage and using culture to bring communities together, build a sense of place and inspire local pride.
“Bidders will also be asked to demonstrate how investment in culture and creativity will drive growth, how they will open up access to culture and to develop partnerships and celebrate links with places across the UK.”
All the longlist places will now work with a panel of experts and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to finalise their bids for January.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said: “Winning the UK City of Culture competition has a hugely positive impact on an area, driving investment, creating jobs, and highlighting that culture is for everyone, regardless of their background.
“This year’s focus is on levelling up access to culture across the country and making sure there is a legacy that continues for generations to come. I look forward to seeing what this brilliant longlist has in store as they continue in the competition.”