Thinking of bidding for, or running, a Year of Culture?
Commissioned by West Yorkshire Combined Authority, our Years of Culture Primer is the culmination of 18 months work to capture and share the wealth of learning that emerged from the various Years of Culture programmes that took place across West Yorkshire between 2023 and 2025.
Super practical – and packed with top tips, case studies and provocations – the Primer is designed to be useful for anyone developing similar programmes nationally or internationally.
If you’re developing a Town Of Culture or City Of Culture bid, this is the resource for you.
”Years of Culture are often judged by what happens during the year. Their real legacy is built before it begins and revealed long after it ends.
Dr Ruth Melville, Julia Payne & James Gough (Primer authors)From "What Years of Culture can teach us about lasting change", Arts Professional (8 July 2026)
In addition, an Arts Professional article, What Years of Culture can teach us about lasting change, explores themes that emerged from the development of the Primer.
James Gough, Dr Ruth Melville and Julia Payne reflect on what happens after the fireworks, opening ceremonies and media attention fade away.
