Culture Company sets the scene for 2017
TODAY marks a year since Hull announced it is to become the second UK City of Culture 2017.
Hailed as ‘the day the city changed forever’, today’s anniversary will be an opportunity for local people to hear about the planning and preparation required to get Hull ready for 2017 and to find out more about how and when they will have the opportunity to get involved.
The city’s new Culture Company, chaired by Rosie Millard and led by chief executive Martin Green, will map out the city’s journey to 2017, highlighting what has been achieved so far.
It is estimated that City of Culture 2017 will grow visitor spend by £184m between 2015-20, with new jobs in construction, creative industries and tourism supporting the city’s wider economic strategy as set out in its City Plan.
Council leaders will also present ambitious plans to ensure that City of Culture status leaves a legacy well beyond 2017. As part of Hull’s 10-year City Plan, they are preparing to embark on the biggest transformation project the city has ever seen. The multi-million pound investment will change the face of the city centre forever through a new public realm, public art, an iconic bridge connecting the city to its waterfront, the regeneration of Hull’s historic Fruit Market and longer-term plans to build a music and events centre and cruise terminal.
The ambition is to make Hull a world-class visitor destination, creating thousands of jobs, a strengthened cultural sector and a sustainable visitor economy.
Martin Green said: “This is just the beginning of what is going to be an amazing journey. The Culture Company has a huge responsibility to the city and local people to deliver a truly transformative year of events in 2017 and we are now putting together a world-class team to help them achieve that.
“Detailed planning and preparation will be the key to success and we will need everyone in the city to get involved.
“Local people, business, the Council and other public bodies are totally galvanised around the benefits that being the UK City of Culture could bring to Hull. Now it’s time for us to work together to make it happen.
“The Culture Company team are honoured and excited to be playing such a key role in Hull’s future. As curators and custodians of the city’s bid, we are passionate about raising the profile of the city, boosting public participation in the arts and using culture to support the rebirth of a great Northern city.”
Rosie Millard added: “It has been a joy to be a part of this exciting journey so far and I look forward to starting the next chapter.
“Since my appointment as chair, I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in this unique city’s cultural life by attending a range of fabulous events, festivals and meetings, and I am overwhelmed by the welcome I’ve received.
“We hope that the public will continue to support us and get stuck in to preparing for a year that will not doubt put Hull on an international stage.”
The impact of winning the title so far:
• 29% increase in Trip Advisor visits
• 15% increase in hotel occupancy (Jan-Aug)
• 54% increase in museum visits (during holiday periods)
• 14 new business start ups in city centre (cafes, bars)
• £16m worth of positive media coverage for Hull
• Bid film seen by over 130,000 people on You Tube
• Record breaking 115,000 visitors to this year’s Freedom Festival – over a third from outside of the city
