UK City of Culture Consultation
DCMS runs the competition for the UK City of Culture. We are currently reviewing the timing of the next UK City of Culture competition.
Derry-Londonderry was the first UK City of Culture 2013, following a competitive selection process in 2009/10. Hull was selected as UK City of Culture 2017, following a competitive selection process in 2013. Continuing the four year cycle would result in the next UK City of Culture year being held in 2021. However, due to the fact that the UK is scheduled to host a European Capital of Culture in 2023, DCMS is currently reviewing the timing of the next UK City of Culture competition.
DCMS will be responsible for the running of the selection process for both the UK City of Culture and European Capital of Culture competitions, although the European Capital of Culture competition will be overseen by the European Commission. If the DCMS decided to run UK City of Culture competitions in 2021 and 2025, this would result in three competitions in a five year period. The purpose of this consultation is to assess the appetite amongst potential candidate cities to bid for one or both titles, and the willingness and ability of funding organisations to support both UK City of Culture and European Capital of Culture within a short timeframe.