Derby, the city at the heart of the country, with culture at its heart.

The people of Derby are its greatest cultural asset, with a diversity of backgrounds, knowledge and ideas, creating a rich cultural mix.

Our city and its communities are a physical expression of Derby’s history, heritage and culture.

Innovation and creativity have been shaping Derby from the birth of the industrial revolution and are informing our future ambition.

Culture will be a driver for place making, creating a vibrant city where people want to live, work, visit and invest.

“Derby and its people have a rich cultural heritage; we are a city of many voices and languages, with a desire to learn, create and celebrate.”

Culture is fundamental to Derby's ambition to create a confident, diverse economy, and a place of health and happiness.

"Derby is a city that has always had creativity and innovation at its heart but more importantly we believe that every resident and visitor should benefit from the power of arts and culture to make change for the better.

"Derby is a diverse, global city and our City of Culture bid will reflect both the unique qualities of the city and the unifying human qualities that bind us together."

Adam Buss, CEO, QUAD

Culture Strategy

The strategy presents our 10 year vision for culture in the city, building on our rich heritage and setting our ambition for the future.

Read more about the Culture Strategy...

Culture Strategy

Latest News

Places everyone! Sleeping Beauty Rehearsals have begun!
Places everyone! Sleeping Beauty Rehearsals have begun!

November 29, 2021

No time for snoozing, our Sleeping Beauty panto has arrived at Derby Arena and is now in rehearsals, with the opening night happening in…

Local talent in the spotlight at Christmas Lights Switch On
Local talent in the spotlight at Christmas Lights Switch On

November 16, 2021

The talent of local people from across Derby’s communities shone brightly at the city’s Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 13 November. An…

Countdown to Christmas with Festive Derby
Countdown to Christmas with Festive Derby

November 16, 2021

The Christmas trees are in place ready for the lights to be switched on, and the finishing touches are being made to Festive Derby. Derby…

Derby Book Festival’s Autumn Edition starts today
Derby Book Festival’s Autumn Edition starts today

November 5, 2021

Derby Book Festival’s Autumn Edition starts today, Friday 5 November with 10 events in QUAD over the weekend and a special event with poet…

All Rise for the Christmas lights switch on
All Rise for the Christmas lights switch on

November 5, 2021

  Derby will be dreaming of a Blue Christmas in the best possible way when singer Simon Webbe switches on the city centre Christmas…

Derby Book Festival presents their latest publication: Life On Hold:…
Derby Book Festival presents their latest publication: Life On Hold:…

October 28, 2021

Derby Book Festival has today (28 October) launched a new book of writing by Derby College students as part of its Shared Writing community…

Makers Assemble as Derby’s Making Festival Returns
Makers Assemble as Derby’s Making Festival Returns

October 21, 2021

On Saturday 23 October, the Museum of Making opens its doors to celebrate makers and all things making with Assemble, Derby’s very own Making Festival.…

Get ready for the big Christmas lights switch on
Get ready for the big Christmas lights switch on

October 13, 2021

Festive Derby comes back to light next month with the return of a live stage show at a new city centre location to mark…

Planning consent granted for ground breaking Becketwell performance venue
Planning consent granted for ground breaking Becketwell performance venue

October 8, 2021

Derby’s ambition to get a new entertainment and events venue has moved a step closer after detailed planning consent was granted by Derby City…

UK City of Culture longlist result is just the start
UK City of Culture longlist result is just the start

October 8, 2021

Derby is celebrating after making the longlist to be UK City of Culture 2025. Now the work really begins with cultural partners having until…

Derby is a place where rivers meet; where the uplands of the Peaks meet the plain of the Trent.

This environment was a meeting place for people, traders and cultures, from the Saxons and the Danes of the 9th century to the multicultural city of today. Derby has commerce, making and looking outwards in its soul.

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