Could a year of culture improve where you live?

61782

Total votes

14611

5-11 votes

47171

11-16+ votes

Bradford, the UK’s 2025 City of Culture was the focus of our 17th VoteTopic. We asked young people to consider the potential benefits to themselves and their communities if they had exposure to an organised year of culture. They discussed whether being named the City of Culture could prompt us all to take up a new creative hobby or get more involved in our local communities.

Age 5-11 voter

It can help you experience different cultures and improve your mood.

Age 11-16 voter

It's a great opportunity for Bradford & we would like to visit as our school is so close to the city. Our tutor - who is from Hull - also told us how great the year of culture was there & the positive impact it had on the place.

Age 16+ voter

The money would be better spent going to other things and it would only really be older people that went to the events anyways.

61% of 7-11-year olds said a year of culture would improve their life.

82% of 5-7-year olds voted 'Yes' to the question, "Could a year of art improve your life?"
Meanwhile, 7-11-year olds discussed, "Could a year of culture improve your life?" and 61% said 'Yes'.

60% of Secondary students voted 'No' to, 'Could a year of culture improve where you live?"

Secondary and College voters were discussing the question, "Could a year of culture improve where you live?"
Both age groups had majority 'No' votes, at 60% for Secondary and 54% for College.

Concerns that the money required could be better spent elsewhere, such as the NHS, were common.

One of the most common reasons for voting 'No' was that the money could be better spent elsewhere.
Voters who lived in areas that were prior winners of the City of Culture award said that it was targeted towards older generations and wasn't 'for them'.
Some young people were more optimistic, and said that they would be excited to learn more about different cultures.