The legacy of Southampton's City of Culture bid

A new era is said to be dawning as organisations and businesses that led the charge for the city's UK City of Culture bid plan their next move. 

Announcing a new chief executive and interim chair, the organisation set up in the wake of the bid is set to host a major conference in the New Year, aimed at bringing those involved in the original bid back together. 

Multiple partners have agreed to support the Southampton Culture Trust including the council, both universities, Go! Southampton, Mayflower Theatre and law firm, Paris Smith. 

And now CEO of the Trust, Claire Whitaker, has said they will prioritise bringing culture, festivals and events to the city in a bid to boost tourism. 

READ MORE: Team behind Southampton City of Culture bid reveals what's next

Claire Whitaker and Laura Read. (Image: Lee Peck Media.)

She said: “We are delighted to be driving forward this new era for culture in the city.

"The momentum created by our UK City of Culture bid was astonishing - we joined together and walked to the top of the mountain, and we had a choice - to tumble back down or go forward.

"In true Southampton style we have chosen to march on and ensure we achieve Southampton’s cultural potential.”

The conference will be held on Thursday, February 9 at MAST in the Culture Quarter, with Laura Read, General Manager of Westquay taking over as interim chair.

It comes after Southampton was beaten to the prestigious title by Bradford in May 2022 after becoming the first South Coast city in the history of the competition to get to the final. 

City of Culture results night at Solent University. (Image: Newsquest)

Tim Keeping, Chair of GO! Southampton, said: “I have no doubt Southampton’s cultural offering will be one of the key drivers for the city’s future prosperity.

"A thriving entertainment scene, the theatres and museums; live music and a vibrant programme of events all have their part to play."

Shaun Williams, Executive Director of Engagement and Advancement, University of Southampton added: “Ours is a remarkable city, with so much potential still to be unlocked."

Professor Karen Stanton, Vice-Chancellor of Solent University, added: “The university looks forward to making a major contribution to the work of the Trust, supporting its work to create a vibrant events, festivals and cultural programme for the city and an outstanding tourist destination.”

Michael Ockwell, the CEO and Creative Director of Mayflower Theatre, said: “We are committed to ensuring a meaningful legacy from our City of Culture bid and look forward to harnessing the amazing collaborative approach that was adopted over the last two years.

"Southampton is an incredibly vibrant city, and our cultural offer is so rich and diverse.”

Peter Taylor, Senior Partner of Paris Smith LLP, said: “Culture is the glue which binds a community together and helps to define it.

"As a business with over 200 years history in the city, we believe in working collaboratively to make a positive difference for future generations to come. We are proud to be founding partners of the Southampton Culture Trust.

"Paris Smith will continue to play our part through the city’s diverse and extensive cultural offering, through building a legacy for all to enjoy living and working in the city.”

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