Estuary 21 is another example of the artistic steps being made to build a winning bid . An ambitious 23 day arts festival set across 107 miles of South Essex and North Kent coastline , it has partnered with the council to help draw visitors to the area and to reflect the stories of the people of Medway .
Cllr Alan Jarrett , leader of Medway Council told insideKENT “ We are proud to be a partner for Estuary 21 . The festival demonstrates our ambition for Medway to be recognised for its culture and creativity and the positive impact it has on the lives of our residents . There are more than 20 exciting events and activities happening across Medway during the festival and we ’ re looking forward to welcoming Bob and Roberta Smith with their Draw Hope to Medway ’ s city centre . Not only does Estuary 21 support Medway ’ s aspirations to become UK City of Culture 2025 , which would create a legacy of opportunities for local people and bring significant economic benefits to the area , but it also supports our aspirations to become a Child-Friendly City , putting children and young people at the heart of everything we do . I would encourage residents to find out more about Estuary 21 and enjoy the fantastic cultural offerings on their doorstep .”
Medway towns and villages have become downtrodden over recent years with high unemployment rates ( a staggering 91 % rise in unemployment since January last year ) and social isolation becoming a major issue , particularly since COVID . But with their bid to win 2025 City of Culture an air of creativity and innovation is breathing life into the area . Even if Medway is unsuccessful in its bid to win 2025 City of Culture , the act of preparing for such an accolade can bring new direction and resolve to an area . Leeds for example , although unsuccessful in its attempt to win the European City of Culture 2013 has gone on to host its own Leeds 2023 festival .
University of Leeds professor of cultural engagement , Ben Walmsley , said that submitting a losing bid , or not bidding at all , could still be a positive process “ A lot of people are against the competition ( aspect ) but one of the benefits should be galvanising places to develop cultural strategies .” He pointed to Leeds and Belfast as examples of cities that missed out on being European Capital of Culture but have pressed forward with bolder cultural strategies and aspirations anyway “ What bids do do is spark off conversations and spark off collaborations . I think they ’ re brilliant for internal lobbying ( for investment in culture ) within the council .”
Whatever the outcome , the beautiful , historical and somewhat mystical place of Medway will reap the rewards from having such intense drive and focus applied to it . By giving the power to its people to implement change and showcase their individual and community talents , as well as being given a platform from which the unique stories of the area can be told , there is a chance Medway could reclaim its place in history as a cultural destination with much to offer .
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