SOUTHAMPTON'S bid to become one of the UK's top cultural centres has received another major boost.
The Culture Trust has been awarded a £1.57m grant from Arts Council England (ACE) in what is being hailed as the latest vote of confidence in the city.
The Trust says the cash will enable it to forge ahead with a wide-ranging programme aimed at bringing the community together.
It comes after last year's announcement that ACE had decided to give Southampton an extra £11.5m over the next three years to support the city’s culture and creativity sector.
News of the latest grant was welcomed by the Trust's chief executive, Claire Whitaker.
She said: "This latest vote of confidence from Arts Council England sees our city being rewarded for placing culture at the heart of its vision for opportunity and growth.
"Our first event is a major one-day conference which is free to delegates and will bring the city’s cultural sector back together.
"We’ve put together a strong programme and I would urge everyone who has an interest in our community and the cultural, creative industries, tourism and destination sectors, to come along."
The conference will be held at MAST Mayflower Studios in the city's Cultural Quarter on February 9.
Phil Gibby, regional director of ACE, said the new funding would enable Southampton to capitalise on the legacy of its "exceptional" bid to be UK City of Culture 2025.
Southampton ultimately lost out to Bradford but was proud to be the first city on the south coast to reach the final.
Satvir Kaur, leader of the city council, said: "Part of the reason to bid for the UK City of Culture title was to put Southampton in the regional and national spotlight, unleash the potential of the city and attract more external investment.
"At a time when we need to grow our local economy and attract visitors to the city, this latest news from ACE is very welcome.
"We remain committed to delivering on our City of Culture bid legacy and create a place where people want to live, work, study, visit and enjoy."
ACE has allocated the grant as part of its National Lottery Project Grants Place Partnerships Fund.
Mr Gibby said: "The ambition outlined in the application shows place-based working at its best, bringing a range of partners together to create a step-change in the city."
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