A GIANT inflatable artwork by North East artist Steve Messam has gone on tour in celebration of Durham’s bid to be named UK City of Culture 2025.
Yesterday, Durham County Council outlined its plans for the Durham 2025 campaign, submitting its bid for the next stage of the competition with principal partner Durham University on behalf of Culture Durham – a partnership of organisations united by their belief in the power of culture to transform lives.
Teesdale-based artist Steve Messam was commissioned to create a piece celebrating the bid, which will be displayed at various locations - starting with Durham Cathedral yesterday - to drum up support and encourage people to get involved.
Read more: Some of the exciting events planned as part of Durham's City of Culture 2025 bid
Officials hope that the county’s existing attractions and a programme of events including a bigger-than-ever Lumiere festival, space science and railway celebrations will see Durham’s unique bid for both the city and county win the title.
The bid aims to bring people and communities together and it attract more than 15million visitors to the region, help bring an additional visitor spend of £700m and support 1,800 jobs.
County Durham finalises its bid for UK City of Culture 2025 with artwork created by Artist Steve Messam in the Cloisters in Durham Cathedral pictured Amanda Hopgood Leader of DCC, Artist Steve Messam, Karen O’Brien new vice Chancellor of Durham University and Tony Harrington Chair of Culture Durham Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT
Tony Harrington, chair of Culture Durham, said: “A vibrant cultural offer can truly transform communities. Not only does it help to bring people together, but it also raises aspirations and helps to create long-lasting opportunities for communities to get involved with cultural activities.
“We know that we have so much to offer already here in County Durham. But we also have a unique opportunity, through the bid, to demonstrate how culture can help skill and employment levels to soar, businesses to grow and high streets to thrive. That is also something that so many other towns, cities and countries can also use for their own growth.”
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Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “We are proud to be principal partners of the Durham 2025 bid for UK City of Culture.
“Durham University is integral to the cultural vibrancy of the city and county. We are home to world-class museums and collections, our student music, theatre, sport and volunteering enriches our community life immensely, and we’re committed to sharing our learning and facilities to the benefit of the whole region.
“We think Durham would make an excellent UK City of Culture. We hope the judges agree and we look forward to being part of a rich and diverse programme in 2025.”
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