THE entire West Midlands would benefit if Coventry wins the competition to be the UK’s next City of Culture, says city MP Jim Cunningham.
Mr Cunningham joined fellow West Midlands MPs in Parliament to show his support following the official launch of the competition by culture minister Matt Hancock in Hull.
Mr Cunningham, Labour MP for Coventry South, said: “Coventry is a city that has reinvented itself on many occasions over the centuries and now stands as a modern, diverse city.
“Coventry and our wider region have so much to offer in terms of culture and this title would be a win for the whole of the region.
“It would bring millions to the local economy and help to put the West Midlands well and truly on the map. That’s why I’m backing the bid and urge everyone else to do the same.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport set out the process for bidding for UK City of Culture in 2021 earlier this month but Coventry has been preparing to bid for more than a year.
David Burbidge, the chair of the City of Culture Trust, said: “Coventry has moved people by car, by jet plane and bicycle over the years and continues to do so through culture. We have learned much about what the city has to offer during the past 12 months but also the many issues we believe City of Culture can help to tackle.
“Winning would bring so many benefits to the city and the West Midlands. Places like Glasgow, Manchester, Hull and Liverpool have shown how perceptions of the north can be changed. The time is right for the Midlands to stand up and deliver.
“We are inspired by Hull which has kicked off its year so dramatically and so positively, attracting 340,000 visitors to its first event.
“And for Coventry, which once stood as the capital of England, this is a great chance to take centre stage once again.”
Coventry City Council, The University of Warwick, and Coventry University are Principal Partners of the bid and are providing significant support.
The Ricoh Arena is Bid Sponsor while Jaguar Land Rover, Friargate, Coventry Building Society, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Airport, Pertemps and CEF (City Electrical Factors) are all Bid Development Sponsors.
