International recognition for Staffordshire at top industry awards

A top international industry award recognising the best quality in place marketing across the globe has shortlisted Staffordshire for its work with young people across the county.

We Are Staffordshire, the place marketing delivery organisation for the county is a finalist in the Best Citizen Engagement category at the international City Nation Place Awards.

The annual awards celebrate and benchmark the very best in strategic thinking, marketing and design for places worldwide. Previous City Nation Place Awards winners include Brand Ukraine, Tourism Fiji, Seattle Southside Tourism and Brixton BID.

In the Citizen Engagement category, We Are Staffordshire is shortlisted against the likes of Chile, Costa Rica and Tasmania for its work to engage the county’s young people.

As a central part of 2024 Staffordshire Day celebrations, a creative campaign was developed with the aim of raising civic pride, while inspiring and educating younger residents across the county through the medium of art.

Eleven workshops took place in schools across Staffordshire with freelance artists working with pupils to create bunting, collages, line drawings and dance – all asking pupils to consider what Staffordshire means to them. Work was displayed at World of Wedgwood and Lichfield Cathedral during Staffordshire Day celebrations.

We Are Staffordshire was established in 2020 to promote Staffordshire beyond its borders, and shout about all the county has to offer. The organisation spearheads promotion and marketing of the county as a prime location to live, work, visit, study and invest.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said: “For Staffordshire to be recognised in a top international industry award once again demonstrates the hard work, commitment and production quality the team and its partners have shown. Being selected alongside countries, globally recognised cities and large regions is an outstanding achievement in itself.

“And to be shortlisted for this award will put us on the international stage for our work within the county to engage with our communities and develop a collective sense of pride in our place.”

The winner will be announced at the City Nation Place Awards dinner in London on Thursday 7 November 2024.

Information about the awards can be found at: www.citynationplace.com/awards

Watch what happened during the project: