Published: 14 Jul 2017
We are delighted that Paisley has been shortlisted for the UK City of Culture 2021.
Paisley’s bid highlights its capacity to play host to large-scale cultural events including the Scottish Album of the Year Award and the British Pipe Band Championships, whilst empowering the local community through creative activity.
We would also like to congratulate Perth on their excellent bid and the fantastic artistic opportunities they have created through the bid programme, thanks to the hard work of all those involved. Whilst not shortlisted, we hope that their energies can continue, to unlock their potential further and ensure a thriving and vibrant cultural scene for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.
Paisley 2021 bid director Jean Cameron said: “This is a wonderful piece of news. A huge number of people worked so hard to get us to this stage and we want to thank every one of them...from Paisley Buddies to our friends across Scotland, the UK and further afield.
“There’s never been a Scottish winner and we would be thrilled to be the first – we are now Scotland’s bid and would love to see the whole country get behind us."
It has brought a new sense of self-confidence to residents and shown them how the power of culture can be harnessed to change people’s lives for the better- Jean Cameron, Paisley 2021 bid director
The UK City of Culture title is designed to use culture as a catalyst for economic and social regeneration and raise the profile of arts and creativity locally and across the country.
It also helps cities develop a broader high quality arts and culture sector, as well as attract increased business investment and boost tourism.
Photo: Kieran Chambers / Paisley2021
