Here's how to get involved in Eastbourne's Town of Culture bid
Here's how you can get involved in Eastbourne’s bid to be crowned the UK Town of Culture.
Last week, Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) announced it had registered its interest in the recently-launched Government Town of Culture competition.
The competition aims to ‘spotlight the cultural contribution of towns to our national story’. The winner will be awarded £3 million to deliver a cultural programme in 2028.
EBC said it is putting together a ‘working group’ to help with its bid, and is looking for local creatives, digital and cultural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), community and heritage groups to take part.
An EBC spokesperson said: “Anyone interested in joining the working group should attend an event at Eastbourne Town Hall on February 4 between 5pm – 7pm.
“The event will include an introduction to the new Town Hall creative cultural hub and some of the new tenants, plus an opportunity to come together to join the working group for the expressions of interest process."
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said competing for the title can ‘have a hugely positive impact on the local community’ irrespective of whether or not the town wins.
A DCMS spokesperson said: "It fosters a sense of local pride and strengthens collaboration among local partners.
"Previous bidders for the UK City of Culture report that the process brought the community together to develop strategic and cohesive cultural leadership.
"In turn, this enabled them to showcase – and open up access to – local heritage, art, and culture.”
Any enquiries about joining the working group should be sent to: [email protected].