Where else would you put your money?

Corporate sponsors are needed for a series of high-profile events next year to promote the bid under the banner Brighton and Hove, Where Else City of Culture 2002.

The campaign will need 12 official sponsors. Five businesses have already signed up, pledging £50,000 between them.

Firms can sponsor a special commission or an event.

The commissions include giant sculpture jewellery adorning buildings, a firework display by the artists who lit up the Eiffel Tower in Paris on Millennium eve and an Eastern dance and music spectacular at the Corn Exchange.

Firms already committed are Brighton Marina, Southern FM, Midnight Communications, Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company and The Argus.

The organisers are talking to Channel 4 about the possibility of a Fatboy Slim gig on Brighton beach.

Other opportunities are a London Underground advertising campaign next spring and summer outdoor events.

A corporate bidder is wanted to back the year-long programme with a one-off donation of £2,008.

Councillor Jackie Lythell, chair of the executive group leading the bid, said: "Our own year of culture in 2002 will promote the bid.

"High-profile elements of the campaign will put sponsors names before a very wide audience and represent very good value for money.

"Official sponsors will get the right to use the Where Else logo in their own promotional material.

They'll be playing a key role in helping develop jobs in the city's cultural sector."

The search for sponsors was launched at the offices of digital media company Victoria Real last night.

Councillor Lythell said: "We'll be working with these partners to create a high-quality programme of events which sow the seeds for sustainable employment and a lasting legacy.

"It will involve partners in the arts, tourism, heritage and urban design.

"We need to consider how we'll look at the end of the decade and ensure the bid brings permanent benefits and employment in cultural industries."