Bradford's bid to become European Capital of Culture 2008 was met in some quarters with a great deal of scepticism. There were those who considered the city to be making itself look rather silly by trying to secure this prestigious title, and when it failed to make the short list there were plenty who took satisfaction in saying "I told you so".

However, the people who took the opposite view, pointing out that even an unsuccessful bid had raised Bradford's profile in a positive way, have now been vindicated. The £1.75 million which has come the way of a "five cities" bid led by Bradford for funding for the arts would not have been forthcoming if it hadn't been for the experience gained by this district in striving for Capital of Culture status.

The director of the Arts Council for the Yorkshire Region admits this is why Bradford was seen as the natural leader of a bid to secure funding from the £19.5 million Urban Cultural Programme on behalf of itself, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and York. He describes it as "a legacy of the investment Bradford made in bidding for 2008".

It was deeply disappointing not to be even short-listed. However, it is some consolation to know that a spin-off benefit is a substantial share in £1.75 million to be spent on exhibitions, performances and a celebration of the arts, including community cultural programmes.

As Councillor Simon Cooke says, Bradford has shown that it has its act together in terms of arts and culture. It is a reputation we should make the most of. This is a good start.