Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet are due to consider the submission of an Expression of Interest to the new ‘UK Town of Culture’ competition, with a recommendation from Officers that Port Talbot and the Afan Valley be chosen as the focus for the proposed bid.
The new UK Town of Culture programme, set up by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, sits alongside themore-established City of Culture competition. It offers up to £3 million to a selected town to deliver a six-month cultural programme in 2028.
If Neath Port Talbot Council proceeds with an official bid, local people and groups will be encouraged to help tell the unique story of why this area is worthy of being recognised on a national stage.
What is the aim behind the ‘UK Town of Culture’ title?
The competition is assessed against three themes:
– Your Story
– Culture for Everyone
– Making It Happen.
The UK Town of Culture competition is an opportunity for places and communities to use culture and creativity to tell their story and why they are proud of where they live. Its wider aim is to focus on building a more socially cohesive country where communities feel proud and empowered to celebrate their local area.
Why focus on Port Talbot and the Afan Valley?
Port Talbot and the Afan Valley have a unique story to tell, with a national profile, a colossal creative legacy, and a highly engaged local creative community, offering a strong case for the application.
The areas also have a common association with heavy industry, and more recently industrial decline. The backdrop of the TATA transition and its impact on community, wellbeing, health and the economy offers a compelling story, which could be best told using culture and the arts. Choosing these areas for the application will offer a chance to create a new positive narrative at a time of vast change.
The Afan Valley and Port Talbot are also no stranger to strong exports in the arts and culture sector. Richard Burton, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen have all retained deep roots with their homeland despite overseas success, each celebrating their links to the area.
Applications for alternative areas of the County have been explored, including separate bids for other areas of the County Borough, but many unfortunately do not align with the Town of Culture guidance.
The benefits of becoming ‘UK Town of Culture 2028’
Whilst Port Talbot and the Afan Valley are being recommended as the focus for the bid, it’s hoped that groups and communities from across the whole of Neath Port Talbot would reap the long-term benefits from getting involved in the process and events.
Although this is the first ever UK Town of Culture competition, surveys from successful ‘City of Culture’ winners show the status had considerable positive impacts on visitor numbers, the local economy, increased access to cultural experiences and a rise in how many people feel proud to live across the whole area.
How does the application process work?
Initially the Council will submit an Expression of Interest and UK Government’s Department of Culture, Media and Sport will compile a shortlist. If selected to develop a full bid for Port Talbot, the Council will be awarded £60,000 to help fund the work required.
A decision on whether to proceed with an Expression of Interest (EOI) will be made by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet on the 4th March, with a deadline of 31st March (2026) to submit the EOI. Members will discuss several options before coming to a final decision.
