WIREDGOV

Coventry City of Culture 2021 will run from May 2021 to May 2022 and promises to be a year of arts and culture like no other.

Originally, the year was planned to start in January but due to COVID-19, social distancing and other restrictions, staging large-scale public events safely could become a problem. The City of Culture team has been exploring different ways that they can work with the arts and culture sector to produce a year to remember for the city. With just under 12-months to go, the excitement can start to build again.

Laura Dyer, Deputy Chief Executive at Arts Council England said: “This is Coventry’s moment. In 2021, the artistic and cultural spotlight will be shining on this great city. That moment might be starting a little later than we’d all anticipated but it’s still going to be life changing. The city’s artists and cultural organisations are ready and waiting to propel Coventry onto the world stage.

“Taking part in world class cultural activities and sharing in creative experiences helps people to live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives. That will be the legacy of Coventry 2021 for decades to come.”

The signature event will see thousands of people from the city working with internationally recognised director Nigel Jamieson and leading local director Justine Themen. People of all ages will help shape the event by using music, performance, dance and objects to showcase the city’s energy and unite residents to explore the values that underpin Coventry and their hopes for its future.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Arts Council has given £5 million to the year long event as well as distributing £8.5 million on behalf of the DCMS, to make sure the city is ready to receive local, national and international visitors in 2021.