Oxford does not need the epithet ‘UK City of Culture’. By any standards, we already are one of the major cultural centres of the UK. Few cities of the size of Oxford in the world could boast the level of cultural endeavour that goes on here.
There is good reason why so many leading artists and writers choose Oxford as their home.
That said, the prize of being named the UK’s City of Culture is one worth pursuing. While we are all well aware of the city’s theatres, museums, art galleries, fine buildings and host of diverse cultural groups, there are still plenty who do not see beyond the University headlines.
The city council is right to be cautious about launching into a bid, however, until it understands better the purpose of the competition.
Oxford lost out as European Capital of Culture to Liverpool. While the pursuit of that prize was a worthy one, Oxford and cities like it were not playing in the same league as Liverpool and could not offer up the sort of regeneration projects that swung the result.
If the Government really wants to celebrate culture rather than promote grandiose projects, then Oxford has every chance.
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