As Leeds launches its bid for Euopean Capitial of Cultre 2023, Anna Sutton takes a look at the specifics of the bid and what it could mean for the city we call home.
In 2023, the UK will be joining Hungary in bidding for the title which was designed to celebrate European art and culture. Having begun the bidding process in 2014, the result will be announced in 2018.
The bid has a massive focus on local input, asking the people of Leeds to shape the future of the city. On the 23rd February the bidding committee launched their new website – www.leeds2023.co.uk – with the sole purpose of providing a platform for Leeds citizens to share their own ideas on potential cultural and creative projects – the bolder and more imaginative the better.
The chair of the independent steering group for Leeds2023, Sharon Watson, has said that the main focus is to make ‘the bid truly collaborative’ because it should belong to the people who both live and work in the city, highlighting the importance of a community effort.
‘The bid should belong to the people who both live and work in the city, highlighting the importance of a community effort.’
The leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, has reiterated this message, calling for the ‘people of Leeds to be the real driving force behind making this bid the success we know it will be.’
To be named European Capital of Culture would be a massive boost for Leeds. Cities awarded with the title are given a huge chance to enhance their cultural, social and economic development not only during the year-long celebration but also during the run up.
Since holding the title in 2008, Liverpool has seen a vast number of positive effects. As host, the city enjoyed a £750 million boost to the economy, a 34% increase in the number of visitors and an 85% rise in local resident satisfaction. What’s more, Liverpool attracted more positive media attention for both social and cultural issues. Undoubtedly, the potential benefits are endless.
As part of the bid, Leeds2023 will be working closely with a variety of cultural events. This spring we will see an international theatre programme which will include the help of local people. In April, Transform 17 will bring an array of performance art, outdoor theatre and large-scale shows focusing on issues such as community, the future of Europe and the digital age.
Also visiting Leeds is Spanish theatre company, El Conde de Torrefiel, with the English premiere of their show Guerilla. This topical performance centres on the thoughts of young people on the future of Europe and will use the help of over 50 local people.
Leeds2023 will also work together with various other events such as the Fragmented Light Orchestra and the 50th anniversary celebrations of Leeds West Indian Carnival.
Whatever the outcome, it is clearly a very exciting time for our city. Good luck Leeds2023.
Anna Sutton
(Image courtesy of Leeds 2023)