Bristol is considering a bid to become UK City of Culture

Bristol councillors will meet on 20 January to decide whether to submit an expression of interest to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for UK City of Culture 2029; the council says the proposed bid would be rooted in grassroots culture and aim to address barriers to access.

Bristol is considering a bid to be the UK City of Culture in 2029. Councillors will meet on Tuesday 20 January to decide whether to submit an expression of interest to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The expression of interest has been developed by a collective of local culture leaders and organisations. City officials say the proposed bid would be rooted in grassroots projects and aim to tackle barriers to access, strengthen communities and create lasting change. Key details: - Decision due: the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee will decide on 20 January whether to submit an expression of interest to DCMS. - Process: the competition begins with an expression of interest, then a shortlist and invitations to develop full bids. - Local leadership: the council says the submission has been led by local culture leaders, organisations and community groups. - Cost: it is understood the expression of interest would be submitted at no cost to the local authority. - Support if shortlisted: a development grant of £60,000 would be available should the city be invited to prepare a full bid. - Aims: council statements say the bid would focus on grassroots activity and address access, representation and location barriers. Summary: The UK City of Culture programme is designed to raise a city's national profile and previous winners have reported boosts to economy, tourism and investment. The next step is the council committee meeting on 20 January to decide whether to submit an expression of interest, after which shortlisted places would be invited by DCMS to develop full bids.