Coventry City of Culture: Culture Secretary visits city
Oliver Dowden was launching the search for the next city of culture
The Culture Secretary has been given a whistle-stop tour of some of the recent changes to Coventry as it begins its year as UK City of Culture.
Oliver Dowden was in the city to launch the call for the next UK City of Culture in 2025 - and to show those thinking of bidding, the difference the title has already made to Coventry.
After arriving at Friargate, he was taken on a walk around the city to see some of the public realm improvements, and new venues and artworks that have been made possible by the UK City of Culture title.
He saw improvements at Bull Yard, where a new water feature and lighting have created a family-friendly area; and the works that have transformed the Upper Precinct.
Mr Dowden visited the City of Culture Trust’s new city centre store and met some of the City Hosts who will be providing a welcoming, friendly face to visitors over the coming year, and was told about plans for the new Festival Hub.
At the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum the Minister was given a private view of the 2-Tone Exhibition, led by Francis Ranford, Cultural and Creative Director.
He was joined on the tour by Council and City of Culture leaders, who pointed out the new additions and told of what the changes have already brought to the city.
Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, which covers the arts, joined the Minister at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Cllr Welsh said:
“We have a great array of venues in our city and they are all set to stage exciting events over the coming year and celebrate our title and our city.
“We were able to show the Minister what the title has meant to them, but also show how it is helping to make art and culture more accessible for all in our city and how it is being taken into the streets and the neighbourhoods.
We have also been able to demonstrate the important role art and culture can play in regeneration and supporting wellbeing.”
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said:
“It was great to welcome the Culture Secretary to Coventry today, and to share with him our plans for the extraordinary year ahead.
We’ve been working with so many partners to get ready for the start of our year, so we were particularly pleased to be able to host colleagues from DCMS in the City as we get ready to welcome visitors from across the UK very soon”.
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