Creative Hub: Artists, Performers, and Innovators in Glasgow
Glasgow has been named the UK's top cultural and creative city, according to a landmark report by the European Commission. The report, called the Cultural and Creative Cities Monitor 2019, analyzed 190 cities across 30 European countries and ranked various aspects of a city's cultural health. Glasgow emerged as the leader, surpassing cities like London, Bristol, Brighton, and Manchester. The city's slogan, People Make Glasgow, was also recognized, with Glasgow being ranked as Europe's leader for openness, tolerance, and trust.
- Glasgow was one of the first European Capitals of Culture in 1990.
- The city has transitioned from being known as an industrial city to a creative and cultural center of European importance.
- Glasgow is home to more than 100 cultural organizations and five of Scotland's six internationally renowned national performing arts companies.
- The city boasts world-class museums, galleries, and architecture, and is a UNESCO City of Music.
- Glasgow's museums attract more visitors each year than any other UK city outside of London.
- The city is investing £66 million in the refurbishment and redisplay of The Burrell Collection, set to reopen in 2021.
- Glasgow has a strong presence in contemporary art, with eight Turner Prize winners and 12 nominees hailing from or working in the city.
- The city hosts a year-round calendar of major cultural events, including the Celtic Connections festival, Glasgow Jazz Festival, and Glasgow Film Festival.
- Work is underway on a new Culture Plan for Glasgow, aiming to further enhance the city's reputation as a globally recognized creative and cultural hub.
Glasgow Life, the organization responsible for promoting culture and sport in the city, expressed pride in Glasgow's cultural leadership. Dr. Bridget McConnell CBE, the Chair of Glasgow Life, highlighted the city's energy, passion, and creativity, as well as its status as a focus for the performing arts and a hub for the creative industries. Glasgow's openness, tolerance, and trust were also acknowledged as the best in Europe, reinforcing the city's reputation as the best in the world.
Glasgow's cultural offerings are diverse and accessible to everyone, from community pantomimes to world-class museums. The city is committed to investing in its cultural legacy, with a £66 million refurbishment of The Burrell Collection underway. This investment is expected to elevate Glasgow's cultural credentials even further. Additionally, a new Culture Plan for Glasgow is being developed, aiming to establish ambitious targets and place citizens at the heart of the city's globally recognized creative and cultural identity.
Glasgow's recognition as the UK's top cultural and creative city is a testament to its transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant hub of artistic expression and innovation. The city's rich cultural heritage, world-class institutions, and thriving creative industries contribute to its status as a global leader in the arts. With ongoing investments and ambitious plans for the future, Glasgow is poised to continue its ascent as a beacon of creativity and cultural excellence.
