The shortlist for the UK Town of Culture has just been published…and sadly Frome is not on it.
Like 400 other UK towns who applied for this amazing opportunity, we had high hopes and big plans for the funding that came with the title and we’re sure the successful towns will benefit hugely from the investment in their cultural life.
Chair and Leader of Frome Town Council Cllr Fiona Barrows said:
“We’re obviously disappointed at this news, although of course we send our congratulations to the towns who will now have opportunities to grow their cultural offering. We’re especially disappointed to note that there are no Somerset towns on the shortlist at all, which feels like a real missed opportunity. I’ll personally be cheering on Ilfracombe in Devon!
“We’re incredibly proud of how consistently Frome already punches above its weight as a cultural destination. Frome’s community of artists, writers, makers and creative organisations didn’t come to Frome, or come into their creativity here, by coincidence: we’re a cultural powerhouse and the synergy of so many creative people in one place, working together and supporting/sparking off one another will help keep creativity thriving here in the long term.
“One of the really positive outcomes of this process has been bringing together a strong group of cultural organisations, businesses and community groups from across Frome. It’s also highlighted a shared ambition to improve training and employment opportunities in the cultural sector, particularly for young people. We’ll be looking at how we can build on this energy and momentum over the coming months.”
Read more about the UK Town of Culture scheme at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/shortlist-for-uk-town-of-culture-revealed.
