The title has been won previously by places such as Hull, Coventry and most recently Bradford.
In this first part of the process, DCMS requires large towns, cities and areas to articulate their vision, outline their proposed approach and programme, and demonstrate their readiness to deliver.
Designed as a light-touch first step, it asks bidders to outline their ambition and partnership support rather than detailed delivery or financial plans.
Submissions are then assessed against national criteria centred on how culture can transform places – by supporting growth and opportunity, enriching lives and strengthening community pride.
Hope said: “It heralds our strong heritage, recognises current challenges and champions our future ambitions. Culture is already driving change here by transforming spaces, creating jobs, nurturing skills and connecting people locally and internationally.
“Our outline programme will build on this – combining grassroots creativity with activity of national significance, working across neighbourhoods and sectors to ensure culture is accessible and relevant to everyday life, and attracting people to visit.”
Ipswich is a town and not a city, but on its website DCMS, external said bidding was “not restricted to cities”.
“As a guide, we also encourage bids from larger towns, regions or groups of places. It is for the place itself to decide if it fulfils the requirements,” it said.