The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) has thrown its weight behind the UK city of culture project, which will launch in 2013.
Birmingham, Derry, Norwich and Sheffield have been shortlisted and must submit their final bids by the end of May.
“Becoming the UK’s city of culture should be a huge boost for a city’s cultural sector, confidence and economy,” said an MLA spokeswoman.
“The MLA’s Renaissance regional museum hubs are in Birmingham, Norwich and Sheffield, where strong connections have been formed with the local communities, businesses and across the cultural sector. Together, we will continue to lend our support to the nominated cities.”
Funding bodies including Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage have also indicated their support for the successful bidder, according to a DCMS document.
A DCMS spokesman confirmed the project would not receive “a penny” of government funding. The scheme is modelled on the European Capital of Culture initiative, which brought economic and cultural benefits to Liverpool in 2008.