Community comes together as the Spinnaker Tower lights up Pompey blue to mark Portsmouth's bid for UK City of Culture 2029. Credit: Millstream Productions
The University of Portsmouth is proud to announce its active engagement in Portsmouth's bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
This ambitious bid, due for submission on 11 January 2026, represents a transformative opportunity for the city to showcase its rich heritage, creativity, and innovation on a national stage.
As a key partner, the University's Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries will contribute expertise, evidence-based research, and creative talent to strengthen Portsmouth's cultural offer.
Together, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation and cultural expression that will not only celebrate Portsmouth's identity but also drive economic and social impact for years to come."
Professor Christine White, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries
Professor Christine White, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, said: "This bid reflects the dynamic relationship between the University, the people of Portsmouth, local businesses, industry leaders, and cultural organisations. Together, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation and cultural expression that will not only celebrate Portsmouth's identity but also drive economic and social impact for years to come."
The University's involvement will include supporting cultural programming, engaging students and staff in creative initiatives, and leveraging research to inform sustainable cultural development. This partnership underscores the University's commitment to enriching the city's cultural life and ensuring that creativity remains at the heart of Portsmouth's future.
Portsmouth's City of Culture bid
Portsmouth City Council announced its intention to bid for the prestigious UK City of Culture 2029 title today (28 November). The bid reflects the council's long-term vision for Portsmouth to be a city rich in culture and creativity by 2040, where collaboration, community and innovation thrive.
The announcement comes as Portsmouth prepares for Portsmouth100, a year-long celebration in 2026 marking a century since Portsmouth achieved city status. Portsmouth100 will bring together communities, organisations and businesses in a programme of events that honour the city's proud heritage and culture while looking ahead to a future of opportunity.
Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for culture, regeneration and economic development, said: "Portsmouth is bursting with creativity and community spirit. This bid is about more than a title, it's about unlocking opportunities for our residents, attracting investment and showcasing the incredible talent we have here. As we mark 100 years as a city in 2026, we want to build on that pride and create a lasting legacy that benefits generations to come."
Winning the City of Culture title would create a legacy that places Portsmouth firmly on the national and international map as a leading waterfront city, drives sustainable economic growth, attracts investment and boosts tourism, creates new businesses and high-quality jobs, raises aspirations and develops skills, strengthens civic pride and community cohesion, and puts cultural regeneration at the heart of Portsmouth's long-term ambitions.
The UK City of Culture title is awarded every four years by the UK Government. Previous winners include Derry-Londonderry (2013), Hull (2017), Coventry (2021), and Bradford (2025). Hull's year as City of Culture in 2017 attracted over 6 million visitors, generated £300 million in tourism value, contributed £11-17 million in GVA to the local economy, and created nearly 800 new jobs in the cultural and visitor economy.
The bid will be developed in partnership with Portsmouth Creates , with a formal expression of interest to be submitted to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The longlist is expected to be announced in February 2026.
Gemma Nichols, CEO of Portsmouth Creates, said: "Portsmouth is ready to come together to develop its bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. As a city we know that our greatest asset is our community, a community that is ready to take on this competition, using it as a platform to showcase our stories, ambition, talent and collaboration that truly defines us and what make us proud to be Pompey! Bidding to become UK City of Culture 2029 brings tangible economic, cultural and social benefits leading up to, during and post the competition."
The University's commitment to Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth's support for the City of Culture bid demonstrates its ongoing commitment to public engagement and knowledge sharing. Portsmouth is one of the first universities to develop a Civic Partnership Agreement with partners in the local community and region to promote inclusion and enrich economic, social and cultural life. Its goal is for education and research knowledge and skills to benefit the city and surrounding areas.
This commitment was recently demonstrated through the University's 2025 World Space Week events, which brought together students, staff and the wider Portsmouth community to explore space science and technology. These events exemplify the University's dedication to making knowledge accessible and engaging for all.
