Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
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European Capital of Culture bid gathers pace
Staff from all areas of the University are working collaboratively with partners across the city to ensure Leeds becomes the next European Capital of Culture and on Wednesday 19 July the Leeds 2023 bid team launched the ‘#MakeLeeds2023’ campaign to mark the 100-day countdown to the city’s bid submission. The campaign is asking residents, businesses and communities in Leeds to back the bid by making an online pledge to actively spread the word.
#MakeLeeds2023 marks the start of an exciting programme of events designed to generate further momentum ahead of the submission of Leeds’ official bid on October 27. People can pledge their support by visiting the Leeds bid website - www.leeds2023.co.uk - and by using the hashtag #MakeLeeds2023 on social media.
The European Capitals of Culture initiative is designed to highlight the richness and diversity of cultures in Europe and raise the international profile of cities. Helping to shape Leeds as the best cultural city in Europe and beyond, the bid team is providing ongoing expertise for the bid from the city’s artistic, marketing and community engagement professionals as well as supplying vital research to help steer the bid.
100 days until the submission of the bid to make Leeds the European Capital of Culture. Get involved: https://t.co/6Q71ins5Qr #MakeLeeds2023 pic.twitter.com/iclO9kX2Dp
— Leeds Beckett (@leedsbeckett) July 19, 2017
Sharon Watson, Chair of the Leeds 2023 Independent Steering Group added: “We’re delighted to launch the #MakeLeeds2023 campaign. Our European Capital of Culture bid presents a huge opportunity for Leeds to highlight and shout about its diverse population and reposition Leeds’ image in the UK and Europe.
“We want to ensure our bid is firmly focused on the people of Leeds as our bid is for them. As such, it’s important that we use the bid as a platform to bring people from across the breadth of our city and backgrounds together, promoting well-being and pride in our city.
“With the current population representing 140 ethnic groups and 170 languages, we firmly believe that a successful bid will create a lasting legacy, not only by implementing positive change by bringing these communities together and celebrating our diversity but also by attracting national and international funding and events to the city, providing a step change in tourism and a catalyst for growth and development.
“There are numerous events coming up to help rally support for the bid and we hope people get involved and submit their online pledges.”
#MakeLeeds2023 is a great opportunity to demonstrate our cultural strength on a bigger stage through our creative industries and wider community.
Find out more at www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/leeds2023.