'Let's tell our stories to the world': Four universities back Portsmouth's City of Culture 2029 bid
Support shares vision of the part culture can play in creating brighter futures, driving innovation and nurturing talent across the south coast.
Four universities have joined forces in backing Portsmouth’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029.
The University of Portsmouth, University of Chichester, University of Southampton and University of Winchester have come together with a shared vision of the part culture can play in creating brighter futures, driving innovation, and nurturing talent across the south coast.
Their backing reflects the strength of the region in working together to create opportunities for young people, attract investment, celebrate creativity, and build a legacy that lasts well beyond 2029.
Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice Chancellor of the university of Portsmouth, said: ‘Portsmouth is a city defined by creativity, resilience and innovation. At the university we see that every day in our students, our communities and our partners. From world-leading research and immersive technologies to vibrant creative practice across the arts, film, games, performance and media content creation, culture is at the heart of what we do.
‘We are proud to stand behind Portsmouth's bid for city of culture. A bid that reflects not only our city's extraordinary heritage, but its bold, inclusive and creative future. This is a city that tells stories, and we are ready to help tell them to the world.’
The city has submitted its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 last month and is currently waiting to see whether it has made the final shortlist. The submission was shaped by more than 12,000 people with consultations and contributions from every corner of the city and all ages - and it is one of the largest community exercises undertaken here.
Under the campaign banner We Are Pompey 2029, the bid has been forged by local voices, ideas, ambitions, and creativity, put into a document that reflects Portsmouth's unique identity, heritage, communities, and future aspirations.
Portsmouth is one of nine cities hoping to secure the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title, which is awarded by the UK Government every four years and has previously helped transform cities including Hull and Bradford. A shortlist of the final four cities will be announced soon, followed by visits and presentations to the competition’s expert advisory panel. The winner is expected to be announced in January 2027.
The backing from the univesities is the latest vote of confidence in the strength of the bid and its power to unite communities.
Phil Wright, Acting Vice Chancellor and President, University of Southampton, said: ‘Southampton and Portsmouth share a powerful cultural and economic ecosystem across the south coast. Together we are region of ideas, creativity and global connection. Portsmouth's city of culture bid represents an opportunity to showcase not only one city, but the strength of entire region working collaboratively’.
Dr Angus Paddison, Vice Chancellor at the University of Winchester, said he was proud to work together across the region to ‘ensure that culture is accessible, meaningful and transformative to all,’ with Professor Symeon Dagkas, Vice Chancellor of the Univeristy of Chichester adding: ‘As a university we know the power of culture to bring people together and inspire change. We are proud to contribute to a vibrant, collaborative culture of future for our region.’
For more information visit wearepompey2029.co.uk