Leading figures and businesses gathered for a reception to launch a campaign for Brighton and Hove to become European Capital of Culture in 2008.
The event was held at Victoria Real Ltd in Queens Road, Brighton and included appeals for sponsorship.
More than 30 people form the executive group of the Brighton and Hove Where Else Campaign.
They include representatives from the city council, business, the arts, health trusts, universities and community groups.
Members include Sue Addis of Donatello restaurant, Councillor Ken Bodfish, The Argus editor Simon Bradshaw, Dave Reeves of Zap Productions and Simon Fanshawe of the Economic Partnership.
The city faces competition from other bidders including Birmingham, Liverpool, Bradford and Canterbury.
The winning city must prove it can deliver a programme of events involving a wide range of social groups.
Campaigners say a successful bid will create more jobs and help position the city as a market leader in culture and tourism.
Bids must be with the Government by March next year and a decision is expected in summer 2003.
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