Local academics and arts groups have been keen to lobby for a bid. This coalition believes that the move could have big economic and cultural benefits. Marketing services in Stoke-on-Trent might be among the winners if the city took the prestigious prize. Paul Williams, from the business school at Staffordshire University, has told the Stoke Sentinel:
“I think there is a belief in Stoke-on-Trent that the time is right for a bid. Across the city we're seeing a rise in cultural activities, which is now reaching critical mass. Even if the bid is not successful, I think it will have benefits.”
Putting a bid together requires networking. It also involves the mutual appreciation of the work of others. As a result, constructing a bid can give energy and purpose to various cultural organisations as Mr. Williams has pointed out.
Stoke-on-Trent has been developing its cultural assets recently. This progress has been marked by the recent hosting of the Hot Air Literary Festival. Another positive development has been the activity of the New Vic Theatre. This work has been supported by the Arts Council. Theresa Heskins, a director at the New Vic Theatre, has said that her institution would back a cultural bid.