Exclusive By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 10:33, Tuesday, 25 August 2009

Carlisle is going to launch a bid to become UK City of Culture 2013.

The prestigious status would pave the way for a massive year-long celebration for being the best in the arts, sport, music, heritage and culture.

And if successful, the new title – which has been introduced for British cities – could boost the county’s economy and bring more tourists to the city.

Culture and council bosses are currently working on a plan which they have to submit to the Government in October.

But they say public support is crucial if Carlisle is going to succeed.

The city is often viewed as lagging behind bigger regional centres culturally, with some focussing on a lack of a permanent theatre as a cultural downside.

But some of those involved in the plan say positive things are happening and residents should get behind these to boost any potential bid.

City artist Derek Eland – former UK head of culture change and change management at global management consultants Cap Gemini – is helping to push the bid.

He is currently working together with Carlisle Renaissance, the city and county councils, Cumbria Tourism and Tullie House Museum on the plan.

Mr Eland, who works in a studio at the top of the Civic Centre, said: “This is a really exciting and important time for Carlisle. People are starting to become more culturally aware in Carlisle. Positive things are happening in the city and people are beginning to engage in culture and the arts.

“The bid will unify the city and bring all the cultural stuff to the surface.

“Carlisle has a history of sieges and conflict, with people uniting under a common cause; in the future this needs to be how Carlisle is going to develop. We are trying to build a system where we can reach out to community and youth groups and get them to help us. We need support from the public.

“In September we will find out which other cities we are bidding against.”

Bryan Gray, chairman of Carlisle Renaissance, helped Liverpool with its bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Although Renaissance has come under criticism as nothing appears to have happened four years after the floods, by 2013 the city should notice a visible difference.

Mr Eland said: “Renaissance is doing something very important in that it has brokered the negotiations for the land so the University of Cumbria can get underway. They are not doing anything in terms of quick wins and visible impact on the ground, but that will come later.”

The winner of the UK City of Culture title, which will be first awarded in 2013, will host high-profile events such as the Turner Prize and the Brit Awards. Durham, Oxford, Leeds and Birmingham could be some of Carlisle’s rivals for the title.

The competition will run every four years and the Government is expected to announce the first winner next May.

First published at 11:31, Monday, 17 August 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk