Lerwick 28 - Town of Culture Survey

Lerwick is in the running to become the UK's first Town of Culture. In 2028, one town will receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme - and Lerwick is one of six towns shortlisted in the small town category.

Now we want to know what Town of Culture could mean for you.

The final 2028 programme will be shaped by people across Shetland. We want to hear what opportunities matter most to our communities, what people want culture to achieve and what a future with culture at its centre could look like.

This survey asks about Lerwick's story, what you would like to see happen during 2028, the difference the year could make and how you might want to be involved. Your answers will help shape the Lerwick 28 bid and make sure it reflects the ideas, priorities and experiences of people across Lerwick and Shetland.
1.Lerwick's Story

What story about Lerwick would you most like people across the UK to know?

Tell us about the people, places, history, traditions or everyday life that make Lerwick special. What should we celebrate and share far and wide?
(Required.)
2.Your ideas for 2028

Across 2028, activity will develop through three chapters: Inspiration, Play and Launch. We want to hear what you would like to see, do and experience as part of that journey.

What would you most like to see, do or experience as part of Lerwick 28?

This could be an event, performance, activity, project, place, opportunity or something completely new. Think about what could bring culture into Lerwick's streets and spaces, support local creativity, involve communities and create connections across Shetland and beyond.
(Required.)
3.Your priorities

Which three areas would you most like Lerwick 28 to make a difference in?

Please choose up to three.
(Required.)
4.Barriers to taking part

Lerwick 28 should be welcoming and accessible, with opportunities for people to take part, create, learn and get involved - not just attend.

Tick all that apply
(Required.)
5.How would you like to be involved?

There are lots of ways to be part of Lerwick 28. Whether you live in Shetland, have an idea for a project, want to support the bid or simply want to take part, we'd love to hear from you.

How would you like to be involved in Lerwick's Town of Culture journey?
(Required.)
6.What could winning mean?

Winning Town of Culture would bring £3 million of investment to deliver a major cultural programme in 2028. But it would also be an opportunity to create lasting change.

Lerwick 28 is our opportunity, but our ambition is for what 2038 might look like. A child growing up in Shetland should be able to imagine a creative future here, with access to the skills, spaces, networks and confidence to make it real.

What difference could Lerwick 28 make for you, your community or Shetland's future?

What would you hope to see continue beyond 2028? This could be about culture, young people, artists, businesses, communities, visitors, spaces, skills or connections.
(Required.)
7.Your connection with Lerwick

Which of these best describes you?
(Required.)
8.Which age group do you belong to?(Required.)
THANK YOU

Thank you for helping shape the future of Lerwick 28.
This survey is one part of a wider conversation about what people want from Town of Culture. The Lerwick 28 team and liaisons will also be talking with communities, businesses, schools, young people and creatives across Shetland.

Once the survey closes, we'll look at the ideas, priorities and themes coming through. The feedback will be shared with the Lerwick 28 Liaison Forum and will help inform the team developing the final bid, with the Programme Board providing direction and oversight.
9.If you would like to stay connected with the bid, sign up for updates about the programme, opportunities, events and ways to get involved.