Captain Culture!
Bodmin has submitted a bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028.
But this is about more than a competition.
It is about the story of this town.
Its people, its character, its history and its future.
It is about recognising what is already here, and building on it together.
Culture brings people together.
It builds confidence, connection and pride.
In Bodmin, we know this matters.
We know what it feels like when places are overlooked.
We know the impact of disinvestment and low confidence.
But we’ve also seen something else.
Spaces come back to life.
People step forward.
Pride begins to grow again.
Bodmin’s bid for UK Town of Culture 2028
Why Bodmin?
Bodmin has deep roots and a strong identity, even if it hasn’t always been recognised.
This is a town shaped by resilience, community spirit and people who keep showing up.
There is already creativity here.
Already energy.
Already people making things happen.
What’s needed is not a rescue plan.
It’s a shared platform.
A way of bringing people, ideas and opportunity together.
A way of putting culture at the centre of how Bodmin sees itself.
What do we mean by culture?
Culture isn’t just performances or exhibitions.
It’s how people connect, create and feel part of a place.
In Bodmin, it should be visible in everyday life.
In the streets.
In schools.
In empty spaces brought back into use.
In community events.
In local leadership.
In the stories we tell about this place.
What could this make possible?
This could unlock a step change in Bodmin.
- More activity across the town
- More opportunities for young people and communities who don’t always access culture
- More support for local artists, makers and organisers
- Stronger partnerships across the town
- More reasons for people to feel proud of Bodmin
A bid shaped with people, not just written about them
This has been shaped with people — not just written about them.
Because the best version of this isn’t a document.
It’s a town-wide conversation that leads to action.
If this progresses, more people will shape what comes next.
More voices. More ideas. More ownership.
Bodmin’s story is still being written.
Captain Culture is about helping more of us write it together.
Culture in Bodmin
is already happening.
This map shows where.
Please contribute and add what's missing.
CURRENT FUNDERS AND PARTNERS
The Old Library Refurbishment project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as a Lead Authority forthe fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
