What is a City of Culture? 

In 2009, the UK Culture Secretary Andy Burnham announced his plan to establish a British City of Culture prize, the winner of which would be officially granted the right to host such events as:

- Turner Prize (a prestigious one in the area of contemporary art, the jury board of which is expected to take bold and even shocking decisions);

- Brit Awards (the "British Grammy" in the area of pop-music);

- Stirling Prize (for outstanding achievements in the area of architecture);

- Man Booker Prize (for English language literature oeuvres).

It was decided that the honorary title and the obligations that go with it will be awarded once in 4 years. The first such competition had 14 participants, of which 4 were shortlisted.

Why are the cities competing for the title? 

All the festivals and ceremonies mentioned above increase the city's touristic appeal significantly as well as attract new investors. Moreover, the marketing campaigns associated with them make the host city more famous and appealing all over the country. To top it, the event that the cities are expected to host may require additional organizational and physical infrastructure, which even under the term will stay in the city. 

What will Coventry contribute to the title? 

Historically, Coventry is known as a center of machine-building and transport industry, moreover – it was in its factories that the torches for the Olympic fire were made in 2014.

Mythically, though, Coventry is the home town of the famous Lady Godiva, the heroic lady with a heart of gold and a spirit of steel, who was ready to put her good name in danger to relieve the city residents from the heavy tax. Let us be reminded: Godiva's husband, a local lord, promised to show more mercy if his wife Godiva dares to ride through the city naked. In honor of this legend, a statue of a beautiful lady only covered by the lengthy tresses of her own hair is still decorating one of Coventry's the City Council's logo. 

Coventry is planning to incorporate both of these aspects to create its unique image – the city where movement began, from innovation in the transport industry to a history of activism.