When Liverpool was UK Capital of Culture in 2008, it brought in £75.8m to the economy, seeing an additional 9.7 million visitors over the year. Cardiff is more than capable of making the most of this exceptional opportunity to show off our culture on a global stage for the benefit of Wales, the nation and its people.

Over the last fifteen years, Cardiff, Newport and the surrounding valleys have changed beyond all recognition. We have a wonderful arts and cultural landscape in the city region, especially given the addition of National Theatre Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, Artes Mundi, Sŵn festival, BBC’s Roath Lock drama village and Hoddinot Hall, Newport’s Riverfront venue, Literature Wales, Diffusion: Cardiff International Festival of Photography, RWCMD’s new facilities, and much more. Plus the city has successfully hosted world music expo, WOMEX, in 2013. And in 2018, Cardiff will welcome the Eisteddfod to the city. Cardiff city region benefits from a culture of collaboration across its arts infrastructure that could maximise the benefit of such additional European investment. Taking pride of place as Capital of Culture will not only bring in the visitors but involve all our people in making and enjoying all kinds of creativity.