Share your story for City of Culture bid

LONDONDERRY marked the next stage in its bid to become the UK's first City of Culture in 2013 by launching a new initiative to encourage you to share your chapter of the city's unique story.

Oonagh McGillion, a member of the Bid Team explained: “The city’s story is what makes us distinct and we want to encourage as many people as possible to call into the bid Office in Waterloo Place, register their story on-line at www.cityofculture2013.com, or pick-up a postcard at one of our many cultural venues and be part of the campaign.

“We are looking for many personal or organisational stories showcasing creative success along with champion ideas that can help us profile the city’s ambition to win this prestigious accolade.”

The Share Your Story campaign is supported by a new stylised Gaelic inspired symbol - the arwen - which represents poetic inspiration, harmony, balance and equality. It will be visible across the city and is a reminder of the importance of telling your story as part of the bid.

Londonderry is one of four cities shortlisted in the race to become the UK’s City of Culture in 2013, along with Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield.

Since it was shortlisted February 2010, support for Londonderry’s campaign has been rapidly building momentum, with thousands of people backing the bid via the Facebook group.

The city’s crusade has also received support from the United States, with the US economic envoy to Northern Ireland pledging to back Londonderry's bid.

Oonagh McGillion concluded: “Showcasing the cultural uniqueness of the city and region is central to the bid. We believe there is a wealth of talent waiting to be uncovered and this is our time to showcase the talent and share the city’s creative achievements”.

This is an important opportunity for the city, to share the diversity of the area, and its extraordinary past and exciting future, with the rest of the world. Register online at www.cityofculture2013.com and get involved.

Londonderry will submit its final bid at the end of May 2010, and the winner of UK City of Culture.

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