Gateshead lays out cultural ambition with bold Town of Culture bid
Gateshead Council is set to make a dramatic bid to become Town of Culture in 2028.
The move comes as the borough sets out its ambition to be a place where everyone across Gateshead can access and enjoy culture, celebrating our past achievements while looking confidently to the future.
Gateshead became eligible to apply for the coveted Town of Culture title after a last-minute change in criteria by the government which allowed larger towns to throw their hat in the ring.
But Gateshead's bid will be anything but rushed as it builds on 18 months of work with community groups, freelancers and major cultural organisations to develop a long‑term culture strategy that captures Gateshead's identity, creativity and future ambition.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "Our culture is shaped by our communities, our grassroots groups and our independent creatives, and together we're building a cultural movement that reaches every neighbourhood.
"Applying to be Town of Culture is an audacious move by Gateshead, but it matches our spirit, ambition and pride. It's a chance to shine a national spotlight on the people who make Gateshead such a special place."
The year 2028 will already be a landmark moment for Gateshead, marking both the 30th anniversary of the Angel of the North and the centenary of the Tyne Bridge. The Town of Culture title would amplify these milestones, showcasing the borough's cultural strengths on a regional, national and international stage.
At the heart of Gateshead's emerging culture strategy is a clear mission: culture everywhere, for everyone. That encompasses all aspects of the borough's culture, including arts, community celebrations, sport and events - big and small.
This mission is supported by four pillars: celebrating Gateshead's identity; championing culture in everyday places; recognising culture's role in boosting jobs, investment and visitors; and highlighting the power of creativity to help people connect, feel better and live healthier lives.
The draft culture strategy will be considered by the council's Cabinet in the coming weeks.
Gateshead Council is set to make a dramatic bid to become Town of Culture in 2028.
The move comes as the borough sets out its ambition to be a place where everyone across Gateshead can access and enjoy culture, celebrating our past achievements while looking confidently to the future.
Gateshead became eligible to apply for the coveted Town of Culture title after a last-minute change in criteria by the government which allowed larger towns to throw their hat in the ring.
But Gateshead's bid will be anything but rushed as it builds on 18 months of work with community groups, freelancers and major cultural organisations to develop a long‑term culture strategy that captures Gateshead's identity, creativity and future ambition.
Councillor Angela Douglas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: "Our culture is shaped by our communities, our grassroots groups and our independent creatives, and together we're building a cultural movement that reaches every neighbourhood.
"Applying to be Town of Culture is an audacious move by Gateshead, but it matches our spirit, ambition and pride. It's a chance to shine a national spotlight on the people who make Gateshead such a special place."
The year 2028 will already be a landmark moment for Gateshead, marking both the 30th anniversary of the Angel of the North and the centenary of the Tyne Bridge. The Town of Culture title would amplify these milestones, showcasing the borough's cultural strengths on a regional, national and international stage.
At the heart of Gateshead's emerging culture strategy is a clear mission: culture everywhere, for everyone. That encompasses all aspects of the borough's culture, including arts, community celebrations, sport and events - big and small.
This mission is supported by four pillars: celebrating Gateshead's identity; championing culture in everyday places; recognising culture's role in boosting jobs, investment and visitors; and highlighting the power of creativity to help people connect, feel better and live healthier lives.
The draft culture strategy will be considered by the council's Cabinet in the coming weeks.
