Liverpool’s Culture Chief awarded Edge Hill Honorary Doctorate

Liverpool’s Culture Chief awarded Edge Hill Honorary Doctorate

Claire McColgan CBE was recently honored with an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Edge Hill University for her exceptional contributions to the arts and culture sector in the UK. As the Director of Culture for Liverpool and Associate Director of Liverpool City Region, Claire has been a key figure in the city’s cultural renaissance for the past 23 years.

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Claire stated, “I am proud because you don’t ever expect anything like this, it’s a real honour.” She reflected on her journey from her early days at university to receiving such a prestigious recognition, highlighting the transformative impact she has had on Liverpool’s cultural identity and economy.

One of Claire’s major achievements was the development of the ‘Creative Communities’ program in 2000, which played a vital role in Liverpool being named the European Capital of Culture in 2008. She also led the city’s successful bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, attracting half a million visitors and boosting the regional economy significantly.

Through her work, Claire has showcased her commitment to creativity, innovation, and community engagement, values that are deeply aligned with Edge Hill University’s ethos. As a champion of the North West, she has been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of the region and inspiring future generations of cultural leaders to follow in her footsteps.

Claire was presented with the honorary doctorate during Edge Hill’s summer graduation ceremonies at its Ormskirk campus in July 2025. Her remarkable journey from being the first in her family to attend university to becoming a prominent cultural leader serves as an inspiration to students from similar backgrounds, showcasing the possibilities that come with the right attitude and seizing opportunities

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