Lerwick 28 campaign for Town of Culture 2028 launches
What should Town of Culture mean for you?
Lerwick is one of just 15 towns shortlisted from nearly 400 applicants – now the whole of Shetland is being invited to help shape the bid.
Lerwick’s bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture officially launches today – and the team behind the bid is asking people across Shetland to help decide what it should look like.
Lerwick was shortlisted as one of 15 towns from nearly 400 applicants and is one of six towns competing in the small town category.
If successful, Lerwick would receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028.
Today, Lerwick 28 launches a public survey asking people across Shetland what they would like Town of Culture to achieve.
What would you like to see?
- More opportunities for young people?
- More support for Shetland’s artists and creatives?
- More cultural activity in our streets and communities?
- New opportunities for businesses?
- New ways to take part, create and get involved?
- Or something completely different?
The team wants to hear it.
The consultation
The consultation will form a key part of developing Lerwick’s full bid, which must be submitted by 30 November 2026.
The proposed theme for the bid is Life at the Edge, reflecting Lerwick’s distinctive position – geographically at the edge of the UK, but culturally connected to the wider world.
Shetland Arts is leading the bid on behalf of the Shetland Partnership, with liaisons working across communities, businesses, schools, young people and the creative sector to gather ideas and ambitions.
Mhari Mcleman – Community Liaison, for Lerwick 28 said;
“We are delighted that Lerwick has been shortlisted, out of 400 applicants. This next stage is crucial in making sure the bid reflects the experiences, ambitions and ideas of the people who live, work and create here.
“This is an opportunity for the whole of Shetland to help shape what Town of Culture could mean for us. We want people to get involved, take the survey and tell us what they would like to see happen.”
The proposed 2028 programme will develop through three stages – Inspiration, Play and Launch, with the programme of activity being built around four areas: Major Commissions, Shetland Creatives, Community & Participation, and Young Shetland.
The campaign will continue throughout September and October, with the team sharing feedback that will emerge from the consultation before developing the final bid in November.
The winner will be announced in March 2027.
Everyone is encouraged to take part, whether they live in Lerwick, elsewhere in Shetland, work here, study here, run a business, create art or simply care about a cultural future.
To follow the campaign and find out more about Lerwick’s bid: Instagram and Facebook
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