Portsmouth to submit bid for City of Culture 2029.

Portsmouth City Council has officially announced its intention to compete for the UK City of Culture 2029 title. The initiative, developed in collaboration with Portsmouth Creates, forms part of a wider strategy aimed at strengthening the citys cultural and creative landscape by 2040.

The council will now submit a formal expression of interest to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), with a longlist of contenders expected to be revealed in February. The City of Culture distinction is awarded every four years.

Council leader Steve Pitt described Portsmouth as a city full of creativity and community energy, stressing that the campaign seeks not only recognition but also new opportunities for local residents, stronger investment prospects, and a platform to highlight the citys creative talent.

This is not Portsmouths first attempt at the title; the city previously partnered with Southampton in a joint bid for the 2017 award, though it did not advance to the final shortlist.

The new bid follows preparations for Portsmouth 100 a year-long programme planned for 2026 to commemorate 100 years since the city was granted official city status.

Gemma Nichols, chief executive of Portsmouth Creates, said the campaign is expected to deliver meaningful economic, cultural and social benefits, both in the lead-up to and beyond the competition. She added that the bid would build on ongoing creative work across the city while opening the door to increased inclusion and future growth.

Portsmouth's Bid for UK City of Culture 2029: A Strategic Move for Growth

Portsmouth City Council's decision to compete for the UK City of Culture 2029 title marks a significant moment in the city’s cultural evolution. This new bid, developed in partnership with Portsmouth Creates, is designed to bring about tangible changes, not only in the city’s artistic landscape but also in its economic and social fabric. The council's formal submission to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) represents the first step towards achieving a long-term vision for the city's creative development, outlined for 2040.

Portsmouth's previous attempt to secure the City of Culture title, in collaboration with Southampton for the 2017 bid, did not succeed, but that experience provides valuable insights that can now be leveraged for a more focused and ambitious proposal. The city's creative community is poised for greater recognition, and this new bid is a testament to its continued growth and innovation.

The announcement highlights a broader vision that seeks not only to gain national recognition but also to create new opportunities for residents, attract investment, and serve as a launchpad for future cultural and social projects. As Portsmouth gears up for its centenary celebrations in 2026, this bid represents a forward-thinking strategy that aligns with the city's ongoing cultural and creative initiatives. Ultimately, the success of this campaign could foster lasting economic and community-driven benefits, marking a milestone in Portsmouth’s journey as a creative hub of the UK.

Sources:

• Portsmouth to bid to become City of Culture 2029