Exeter Culture wins Exeter Living Award

Exeter Culture was last night announced the winner of the ‘Civic’ category at the Exeter Living Awards, hosted at the Great Hall of the University of Exeter. We were nominated as the lead for the Steering Group for City of Literature, and the nomination was specifically for recognition of successfully being awarded UNESCO City of Literature designation in November 2019.

The judging panel specifically highlighted the excellent partnership work that had been developed with major cultural and educational organisations across the city. The panel felt that the City of Literature title will have a significant impact upon partnerships, civic and public involvement, and will drive new projects, festivals and initiatives. This is one of the first times such a broad variety of stakeholders have come together to create a city-wide cultural programme that will engage thousands of people in and around the city.

The panel also noted the unique connection to the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The project will work in non-traditional settings, and projects are being established working with prisons, hospitals, health centres, GP surgeries and on public transport across the city and county. This will broaden the scope and enable non-traditional audiences to benefit from the programme. A main aim of the programme is to develop civic pride, awareness of Exeter’s significant connection to literature and the impact on people’s wellbeing.

Dom Jinks, Director of Exeter Culture, said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award on behalf of the City of Literature Steering Group. The work that Exeter Culture often does is behind the scenes to assist in developing partnerships, leading funding bids and advocating to funders to invest in the city. It is great to be recognised for our work and to celebrate the success that the UNESCO designation brings.

Here are some of the comments that supported Exeter Culture’s nomination:

• “Exeter Culture, in partnership with the University and a group of city stakeholders, has driven the UNESCO bid process. To be named the only UK city in 2019 is amazing. This will put Exeter on the map for culture and literature. It is a testament to the fantastic work of the team.” Professor Janice Kay – Provost, University of Exeter

• “As a key stakeholder and partner, Exeter College feels privileged to have such a dedicated team in Exeter Culture with creativity, flare and inspirational leadership – leading the way and positioning Exeter as an internationally recognised hub for literature and culture.” Rob Bosworth – Vice Principal, Exeter College

• “This a major achievement and this has been driven by Exeter Culture and the Steering Group, who demonstrate how to work in big partnerships. This is a major deal and will benefit Exeter through new projects, engagement of communities and new visitors to the city.” Sarah Crown – National Director of Literature, Arts Council England

• “The award of UNESCO City of Literature status is a tremendous achievement, and will enable a fresh focus upon the remarkable literary heritage of Exeter and the wider region. The team at Exeter Culture deserve huge praise for their efforts; UNESCO status will be a game changer for the city as it re-affirms its long-established, international cultural pre-eminence.” Charles Courtenay – Earl of Devon, Powderham Castle