Why do cities compete for cultural titles like European Capital of Culture
and UK City of Culture?
How does the bidding process inform cultural policy and city strategy?

The Cultural Cities Research Network is part of an AHRC-funded research project exploring what connects cities during the shared experience of bidding for a cultural title like the UK City of Culture (UKCoC). We’re bringing together shortlisted UKCoC 2013 cities, including Sheffield, Norwich and Birmingham, to consider and debate situated contexts, motivations and expectations; and the impact of bidding on policy-making process, on the role of the creative economy in city strategies, and on connections between different communities.

We’ll be using this site to start conversations and share some of our findings. Take a look around, and contact us if you’d like to know more.