Last month Stirling was announced as the sole Scottish bid to make the longlist for UK City of Culture 2025 and invited to make a full bid, boosting a bold aim to put culture at the heart of the area’s regeneration and growth ambitions.
Support across the political spectrum
And at a Special Meeting of Stirling Council held on Thursday 4th November, Councillors across the political spectrum threw their weight behind plans to put Stirling at the very heart of the UK’s cultural map.
The Stirling area is set to compete with seven other cities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the next stage of the process through a bid that is being led by Stirling’s key cultural partners, alongside Stirling Council.
The bid will underpin bold new plans which will draw on the city’s huge array of local talent and amplify it to reach much wider audiences, promoting Stirling as an attractive place to visit, learn, live and work.
Showcase Stirling in all its glory
Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer said: “Councillors across the board have shown that we are firmly behind Stirling’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Stirling in all its glory and tell the unique history and stories that each of our communities has to tell.
“The backing from Stirling Council shows the belief we have in our diverse and dynamic cultural wealth, and the ability to showcase this to the whole of the UK thanks to the cultural offerings we have already delivered, and the ambitious plans we have for our future.
“There is already a thriving cultural scene within Stirling, and there’s still so much potential for us to grow our cultural profile in a way that is inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
The City of Culture bid provides the chance to not only promote Stirling’s cultural strengths, but to further evaluate what challenges are faced and determine how culture can play a role in improving people’s lives through regeneration and growth.
Proud to be chosen as Scotland’s sole representative
Depute Leader, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “I am filled with pride that Stirling has been chosen as Scotland’s sole representative in the longlist for UK City of Culture 2025. Stirling is already famed for its world-class heritage offering but this bid is about widening participation through celebrating the rich local culture and creative spirit in our communities.
“Collaboration will be at the heart of our approach and this bid offers a cultural opportunity to break down barriers and act as a catalyst for the regeneration of the area, attracting investment and tourism, bringing people together and reaffirming a sense of place and pride.
“The consideration of Stirling for UK City of Culture 2025 is not just an assessment of where we are today, but recognition of the potential that Stirling has for the future.”
A formal expression of interest in becoming UK City of Culture 2025 was declared by Scene Stirling, which is a place partnership involving all Stirling’s arts, education, heritage and cultural organisations (Artlink Central, Macrobert, The Engine Shed, Creative Stirling, Stirling University, Big Noise, Stirling Smith, Forth Valley College Creative Industries, Go Forth – Business Improvement District and Stirling Council).