Exeter aims to become the 2029 City of Culture, highlighting heritage, arts, science, innovation, and sport while engaging local communities

Exeter is bidding to become the 2029 City of Culture, aiming to combine its rich heritage with a vision for the future.

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The city’s bid highlights Exeter’s cultural institutions, arts, and performances, while celebrating its achievements in sport, science, and innovation.

Council Deputy Leader Laura Wright, a musician herself, said the bid emerged after five months of consultation with local creatives to develop a five-year cultural strategy.

“Culture isn’t just an arty thing. It is that, but it’s also a culture of how people think, innovate and learn,” Wright said, noting the city’s experience hosting major events such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Northcott Theatre emphasises the importance of community-rooted productions.

Creative director Martin Berry highlighted shows like Exe Men, The Commotion Time, and an upcoming Daphne du Maurier play that showcase local talent and stories.

“What a brilliant thing it would be to tell even more of those stories, of this city and this region,” Berry added, stressing the potential national platform a successful bid could provide.

Helen Hartstein, museum manager at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery, said the bid provides an opportunity to celebrate Exeter’s creativity and community spirit.

Exeter faces competition from cities including Plymouth, Bristol, and Portsmouth. If it makes the long list, the government will award £60,000 to prepare a formal bid.

The winning city will receive £10 million to host a year-long arts and culture celebration.

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Local creatives are already meeting in workshops to shape Exeter’s application and ensure the city’s culture and innovation are fully represented.