Back Wir Bid – and thank you

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been asking what Lerwick 28 could mean for our communities. You’ve responded with ideas, ambition and plenty for us to think about. Thank you.

Our first consultation report brings together 1,279 recorded contributions, gathered through surveys, interviews and conversations. Our community liaisons have been speaking with young people, schools, businesses, creatives and community groups, helping people contribute in different ways.

We’re still working through the detail, but some themes are emerging. Children and young people should be central, with opportunities to make things happen themselves. People want culture in our streets, public spaces and everyday lives. Cost, transport and knowing what’s happening all matter.

There is also an appetite to celebrate our heritage alongside contemporary creativity, and to build skills, confidence and opportunities that last beyond 2028.

The commissioning response has been equally encouraging: 130 applications, including 18 from Shetland, spanning music, theatre, dance, visual art, film, craft and much more.

Together, the commissioning bands selected by applicants represent a maximum potential value of £13.7 million and it gives a sense of the ambition people are bringing to Lerwick 28.

Many proposals include opportunities for young people, collaboration with Shetland creatives and ideas for a lasting legacy. Our next task is to look carefully at what could work here and how it connects with what people have told us.

We intend to publish our analysis of the consultation so you can see what we’ve heard and how it is helping shape the bid.

For me, the question running through all of this is what will be different for someone growing up in Shetland because Lerwick became Town of Culture. What opportunities will they have in 2038 that they don’t have today?

To everyone who completed a survey, shared an idea, submitted a proposal, joined a conversation or encouraged someone else to get involved: thank you. And thank you to the team and community liaisons doing all the work.

“Back wir bid” has been the call. You have – and your contributions are helping us shape it.

• Graeme Howell, Chief Executive, Shetland Arts