A NEW company being set up to run the UK City of Culture 2017 programme in Hull has been given a £400,000 funding boost by the city council.
The budget allocation is aimed at covering the company's start-up costs.
Last week saw the appointment of writer and broadcaster Rosie Millard as the company's new chairman.
Other senior posts, including the company's chief executive and programme director, are expected to be filled over the next few weeks.
The council funding has been confirmed in a decision record signed off by leader Councillor Steve Brady.
He said Hull had been on a high since winning its bid to stage the event last November.
"It wasn't a surprise that Hull won because the people of Hull were right behind the bid.
"Look at the accolades the city has had since then, look at the publicity.
"More people than ever before are speaking up for the city so we have got to get it right from the off with the new company to develop plans for 2017. All the hard work really starts now.
"This is all about investing in the city to make sure people feel good about talking about Hull and to make sure people want to come here."
Cllr Brady said the anticipation building ahead of 2017 and the recent confirmation by Siemens of its investment plans meant it was probably one of the most exciting times Hull had seen in decades.
The council has provisionally set aside £4m as its contribution towards delivering the UK City of Culture up to and including 2017.
Overall, the event is expected to cost about £18m.
The £400,000 allocation will cover the current financial year until next April and is expected to be matched with a similar amount of external funding.
This is likely to come from the Arts Council, partner organisation and sponsorship.
The council funding will initially be managed by the authority until the company becomes fully operational later this year.
Opposition Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Abi Bell said 2017 offered an unprecedented opportunity to change external perceptions of the city.
"I look forward to all of us working together to put on a good show," she said.
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