When Glasgow was named the UK’s best city second only to London in the annual World’s Best Cities Report by Resonance Consultancy last month, I imagine it raised a few eyebrows.
The headlines this year have painted a rather bleak picture of the city’s appearance and the challenges it continues to face, whereas other major cities in the UK seem to have been able to shrug off their post-Covid woes, at least in the realms of the court of public opinion.
In that context, seeing Scotland’s largest city named one of the best cities in the world is certainly a welcome outcome and with credibility. The Resonance Consultancy report is widely lauded as the world’s most thorough city ranking, and the city’s recognition was apparently due to its strengths in education, its vibrant nightlife and its healthy business environment. Two key factors in the assessment process will have been key to separating Scotland’s largest city from its competitors: music and culture.
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As someone who holds both of these close to their heart, it was no surprise to me to see these contribute to Glasgow’s high ranking.
Glasgow has a longstanding and vibrant cultural landscape.
The city has the capacity and reputation for attracting and hosting global events, while its array of concert venues like the Hydro and the Barras continue to play host to some of the biggest names in the music industry. However, we’re also blessed with national cultural assets which are based here, and play a pivotal role in not just shaping the city and Scotland’s cultural identity but in contributing significantly to its broader economy.
Esteemed institutions such as Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra ( RSNO), Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow School of Art are national organisations that help contribute to the wonderful mosaic of cultural creativity in the city.
Add Glasgow Life and its museum and cultural facilities like the Burrell Collection and Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to that list, and we can paint a picture of Glasgow as a city with not just something for everyone, but with a globally competitive offer.
These organisations entertain large swathes of audiences, yet their importance and significance is often overlooked. Their offering is diverse and colourful including classics like the RSNO’s The Snowman and Scottish Ballet’s Swan Lake.
They invest in Glasgow, whether that’s through financial commitments like Scottish Opera’s New Rotterdam Wharf project, or through the Glasgow School of Art’s continued role as one of Europe's leading higher education institutions for research & development in the visual creative disciplines.
Glasgow Life is also offering new travel trade packages this winter, attracting tourists by offering behind-the-scenes tours and VIP access to its world-class museums.
Amongst the changing dynamics of work environments that continue to influence the city’s economy, Glasgow's cultural institutions are compelling reasons for individuals to venture into the city complimenting the return to the office.
The night-time economy of Glasgow has been flagging in part due to weekday footfall, which continues to lag below pre-pandemic levels. However, the prospect of attending a matinee or evening performance becomes an attractive incentive to stay in the city and enjoy the wider retail and hospitality offer as part of a broader city centre experience.
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As winter descends, Glasgow ’s cultural venues become more prominent as key pillars of the city’s economy. These institutions are not only guardians of artistic heritage and creators of contemporary productions; they are key components responsible for ensuring the city stays vibrant and a return to greater levels of office working is fundamental to making this a reality.
Alongside the cultural offerings, and with Glasgow also now officially dressed in its winter decorations following the weekend’s Christmas lights switch-on in George Square, there are even more reasons to venture into the city over the coming months.
Supporting the city’s economic vitality requires a joint effort from businesses and visitors alike.
Alison McRae is Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
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