Swindon City of Culture 2029 bid launches 'We Dream In Public' campaign

Swindon's bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 entered a new phase, Swindon24 reported on Tuesday 12 May 2026, with a campaign called "#WeDreamInPublic" launched by a temporary pavement artwork outside the Zurich Insurance offices in Swindon. The artwork was made by local artists Caryn Koh and Dayna Baxter.

The campaign was led by Swindon Culture Collective in partnership with Swindon Borough Council. Swindon had won a place on the national longlist earlier in 2026. The title carried up to £10 million in funding and a year-long programme of arts, heritage and cultural activity.

How could residents take part?

People were invited to write ideas on "#WeDreamInPublic" postcards in libraries and public venues. Events through May included community sessions at Manor Road Community Garden, Walcot Skate Park, Queens Park and The Brunel, plus a pop-up called the Swindon Imaginarium.

Hundreds of supporters had already taken part at Swindon Town's final home game of the season.

What was the bid about?

Louise Halliday said the bid would focus on five themes: democratic futures, climate imagination, young people leading change, technology and collective storytelling. "For Swindon's bid, public dreaming is the idea that people shape the future," she said.

Dr Roderick Hebden said: "Swindon is the hidden engine of modern British life, where things are made, tested, proven and delivered."

Kate Wyatt, Head of Culture at the council, said: "City of Culture 2029 can supercharge what is already happening in Swindon".

What was due to happen next?

Bidding teams had until 10 August 2026 to submit full applications. Shortlisted places were expected to be announced in autumn 2026, with the winner confirmed later that winter.

Source: Swindon24.