(Above) Norwich's Theatre Royal
As one of four cities competing to become the first ever UK City of Culture in 2013, cultural plotters in Norwich were given the chance to impress the judging panel in Liverpool across two days (June 15-16) last week.
Led by Councillor Steve Morphew, the delegation comprised Laura McGillivray, chief executive of the City Council, Jonathan Holloway, director of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, Marcus Patteson from Norwich Community Arts, Ian Johnson from Access to Music, and Chris Gribble from Writers’ Centre Norwich.
They were attempting to sway a panel chaired by Phil Redmond, the Creative Director of Liverpool’s 2008 Capital of Culture campaign, who will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before a final verdict in July.
“We intend to use the City of Culture to reach every person in the city and improve their quality of life,” said Morphew. “Coming to Liverpool was just the next stage in showing the world how good we really are.”
“The bid has been led by the best,” echoed Peter Wilson, chief executive of Theatre Royal Norwich. “We have the means, the motive and the opportunity to make a lasting difference to this great city and county.”
Fiery times at Norwich Cathedral
Titled A Whole City Experiment, their bid features world premieres, pop concerts, light shows, mass street feasts and music, dancing and literature from around the world.
It’s national recognition that, for its size, Norwich has an amazing choice of cultural activity, making it a great place to live,” suggested Norwich Arts Centre director Stuart Hobday, discussing their place on a shortlist alongside Sheffield, Birmingham and Derry.
“The City of Culture year will enable this to grow and make Norwich culturally and economically vibrant.”
The diverse and exciting programme promises new skills development opportunities, a volunteering network and the country’s first citywide free downloads zone.
One of the key strengths of the bid is that it is being generated by people right across the city - from schools, colleges and businesses to arts groups and voluntary organisations.
Norwich City Council's Steve Morphew, who is leading the bid, said victory would "reach every person in the city and improve their quality of life"
Norwich is also in the running to become UNESCO City of Literature, and the City of Culture proposals showcase the prodigious writing talents emerging from the city, uniting authors, creative writing centres, the University of East Anglia, local museums and the media.
Attracting five million visitors annually, Norwich already generates more than 6,000 tourism related jobs, accounting for more than 12% of the local workforce.
Famous names who have thrown their weight behind Norwich’s bid include actor, writer and TV host Stephen Fry, writers Ian McEwan, Frederick Forsyth and Amit Chaudhuri, actress Miranda Raison, West End theatre producer Richard Jordan and celebrity chefs Delia Smith and Marco Pierre White.
Actor Christopher Biggins, who is currently appearing in the Rocky Horror Show at the Theatre Royal Norwich, has also pledged his support to the Norwich cause.
“I think it would be fantastic if Norwich got the title,” says Christopher. “Birmingham already has lots and Sheffield is fine. I wish the Norwich bid well.”
His co-star Charlotte Scott, who began her career at the Central School of Dancing and Performing Arts in the city, said the title would be a major boost for the city.
“When you look at what has happened in Liverpool, it would be fantastic if the same thing could happen here,” she said.
Visit Norwich City of Culture for more.
