'Culturally, Birmingham has done more for the world than Milan, Venice, Marseilles and Frankfurt (combined).'
- Independent on Sunday 16th February 2003 |
'The first time I went to Birmingham was in the late 1960s to play basketball, when I was a student at Oxford. I liked it then, but I was astonished at the G8 when I saw how beautiful it was. The buildings, the art, the use of the water - it is an extraordinary jewel of a city, and one that I think is not very well known outside the UK. So I think if the (Capital of Culture) designation came, firstly it would be well deserved and secondly it would give Birmingham some of the recognition around the world that I would like to see it get. I was just bowled over when I was there. It is quite wonderful. You should be proud.'
- Bill Clinton |
'Birmingham is a city with enormous potential, I don’t think anyone doubts that now. It has revived itself in quite an extraordinary way over the last 20 to 25 years but now it wants to take this process of change, renewal and modernisation forward.'
- Tony Blair |
'I would like wholeheartedly to offer our support for your bid. I know that Birmingham will produce a high quality and dynamic programme for the Year of Culture which will be truly European and cosmopolitan in nature. With all good wishes'
- Joan Clos Mayor of Barcelona |
'The City of Copenhagen warmly supports Birmingham’s bid to become the UK’s candidate for European Capital of Culture 2008. During the years in which we have worked together we have appreciated the experiences, which a multi-cultural city like Birmingham can bring to the shaping of Europe in the 21st Century. In the field of the performing arts, Copenhagen and Birmingham already enjoy a fruitful relationship. As a former title-holder, Copenhagen wishes your city every success in its application.'
- Bente Frost Deputy Leader of Copenhagen |
'The City of Frankfurt is delighted to commend Birmingham’s application to become the UK’s candidate for European Capital of Culture 2008. Culture has been one of the key themes which has underpinned our long relationship as partner cities. We value Birmingham’s commitment to make the celebration of the diversity of its people one of the main pillars of its bid. I wish you all the best in your endeavours.'
- Petra Roth Mayor of Frankfurt |
'Helsinki was delighted to learn of Birmingham’s candidature to become the United Kingdom’s nomination for European City of Culture 2008. Birmingham has a highly interesting cultural scene and has been engaged constructively with European issues. We consider that your city would be an excellent advocate for the important role that culture should play in modern society.'
- Eva-Riitta Siitonen Lord Mayor of Helsinki, President of Eurocities |
'Culture has an important place in the longstanding partnership between our two cities and I warmly welcome Birmingham’s decision to bid to become the UK’s candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008. The years ahead offer Lyon and Birmingham the chance to build on the wide range of collaborations which are already in place and to celebrate the richness and diversity which exist in cosmopolitan cities such as ours.'
- Gérard Collomb Mayor of Lyon |
'We were delighted to learn that Birmingham has decided to announce its candidacy for the European Capital of Culture 2008. In the short time that our cities have been working together, we have become aware of the importance you attach to learning and creativity and to the role which culture can play in the regeneration of a city. From a city which had the honour to be one of the Millennium European cities of Culture, we wish you good luck and every success with your bid for 2008.'
- Jan Kasl Lord Mayor of Prague |
'I'm delighted to be here in Birmingham today. This is a city that has been rebuilt - and what a difference that has made - recapturing the centre of Birmingham for the people of Birmingham.
Urban Summit - John Prescott Deputy Prime Minister |
'In cultural terms there is little to touch (Birmingham) even – shock, horror, Sloaneish guffaw – in London. …a sustained and imaginative arts development programme. The result is a rich, lavishly facilitied, genuinely diverse cultural life that is the envy of the world.'
- Times Leader 2nd October 2002
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' One of the reasons Birmingham should win this title is because people just don’t know how good it is. I came here three years ago and in that time I have discovered how rich a place it is. It’s almost like a city of secrets and I can understand why it is that Birmingham people haven’t shouted about it in the past, but it’s good for the rest of the world to find out what happens here.'
- Jonathan Watkins director IKON gallery |
'Just as a place to go out in, Birmingham has so much to offer with Broad St, Brindleyplace, the Jewellery Quarter, St Paul’s and, more recently, the Mailbox. It seems a true European city like Milan...When I bring friends here they are amazed.'
- Stuart Maconie Birmingham-based writer and broadcaster |
'The quality and scale of investment in the arts over the years has created significant national and international companies. In theatre terms there is more brand new writing here than anywhere outside London. A particular issue is the changing demography of the population, reflected in organisations such as Drum and SAMPAD. Simultaneous achievements both in high-profile and grass-roots arts provide an ideal platform for further development.'
- Jonathan Church artistic director Birmingham Repertory Theatre |
' Birmingham is a real "can do" city.'
- Professor Tim Brighouse Commissioner for London Schools |
' Birmingham should really become the first World City of Culture. Anything less would be a travesty.'
- Stuart Jeffries Guardian 28th February 2003 |
'I find (Birmingham) incredibly friendly and the city has a warm feeling.'
- Janice Long BBC Radio 2 presenter |
'I love Birmingham. The place has got everything going for it and knocks all the other competitors into a hat. It has got a great claim to be capital of culture.'
- Boris Johnson MP |
'Vibrant, energetic, friendly and creative, Birmingham is a city that provides opportunities for budding artists to fulfil their goals'
- Julie Walters Actress |
'Apart from being a great sporting city Birmingham has many assets, from fine cuisine to award winning architecture but most of all it has its people'
- Denise Lewis Olympic Gold Medal-winning athlete |
'Birmingham – a constantly reinvented city, forever probing the future rather than trading on its past – would be the wisest, the most adventurous and the most appropriate choice for European Capital of Culture'
- Jim Crace Novelist |
'(Birmingham) holds a diverse mix of cultural, musical, sporting and business achievements that should be recognised'
- Noddy Holder Musician |
'Birmingham has produced some great comedians, from all colours, cultures, races and religions, reflecting the diversity within the city. Jasper Carrott, Frank Skinner, Lenny Henry, and myself are just a few, but a reflection of a positively humorous and lively place to be.'
- Shazia Mirza Comedian |
'Probably the region’s greatest asset is its people. They bring their energy, their creativity and their diversity to the melting pot of culture which is Birmingham'
- Don Maclean BBC Radio 2 presenter |
