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Caerphilly has thrown its hat into the ring to become the UK’s first Town of Culture.
Community interest company Cynefin Caerffili, which is behind plans to turn Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall into a cultural centre, is leading the bid alongside Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The UK Government launched a new Town of Culture competition earlier this year, with one town set to receive £3 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural events and activities in 2028.
Organisers say the bid will showcase Caerphilly’s arts, heritage and creative communities while helping to shape the town’s cultural future.
Cynefin Caerffili has dubbed its bid “Calon Caerffili”, inviting residents, businesses and community groups to share their ideas about culture in the town.
A series of events and workshops will be held in the coming weeks to gather ideas which will help shape the town’s bid before it is submitted later this month.
Anyone living or working in Caerphilly – or who has lived in the town previously – is being encouraged to contribute.
Organisers say the programme aims to celebrate what already exists in Caerphilly while exploring new creative opportunities for the future.
Sally Griffith, director of Cynefin Caerffili, said: “We really believe Caerphilly has what it takes to become the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture.
“We see a vibrant future where creativity and culture are the beating heart of the town. We need as many people as possible to get involved to help shape what the bid looks like, but also what Caerphilly will look and feel like in the years ahead.
“The only bid we want to submit is one where the town’s people, personality and passion is reflected in the pages.”
The Town of Culture competition is being run by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport alongside the established UK City of Culture programme.
To help towns develop their proposals, shortlisted applicants will receive £60,000 to prepare full bids.
An expert panel will then select finalists across different size categories. One town will ultimately be named UK Town of Culture 2028 and receive £3 million to deliver a year-long programme of cultural celebrations.
Two other finalists will each receive £250,000 to support cultural activity in 2028.
Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, said: “Caerphilly is a town of rich history and culture. From the glorious castle to the iconic Workmen’s Hall, where new efforts to transform the venue are underway, Caerphilly is a true town of culture and a fantastic nominee.”
Cynefin Caerffili says it is already working with artists, businesses, community groups and educators to develop a long-term cultural strategy for the town.
Before submitting the bid, organisers are holding a number of events to gather ideas from the public.
Ceri Davies, director at Cynefin Caerffili, said: “We’d love to hear the hopes and dreams that people have for the creative and cultural life of Caerphilly – no idea is too big or too small.
“We want to celebrate what people love and value about this town while also thinking about the challenges people face.”
Expressions of interest for the UK Town of Culture competition must be submitted by March 31.
Caerleon, in Newport, has also decided to submit a bid to become UK Town of Culture.
Upcoming Calon Caerffili workshops
The public events planned as part of the consultation include:
Thursday, March 12 (2pm – 4.30pm), Y Banc: a writing workshop led by Taylor Edmonds exploring ideas for Caerphilly’s cultural future.
Monday, March 16 (6pm – 8pm), Y Banc: a public session discussing what people value about Caerphilly and what they would like to see develop culturally.
Tuesday, March 17 (5.30pm – 8pm), Cynefin: a zine-making workshop led by artist Mark Gubb focusing on participants’ experiences of the town’s cultural scene.
Organisers say feedback from the sessions will help shape the bid before it is submitted later this month.
For more information visit www.caloncaerffili.com.
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