LAST week saw the resignation of two key players in the planning and promoting of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture, plunging the credibility of the city’s cultural preparations into uncertainty. In the ensuing debate, one of the key issues to emerge was whether the people of the city are truly involved in the plans and whether they will benefit from 2008 in the long-term. The first shock resignation saw Labour chief Cllr Joe Anderson quit his role on the culture board, accusing both the board and the Culture Company of not engaging “real” people, not providing an exciting 2008 events programme, and not creating a worthwhile legacy for the city. He also criticised the city council for mismanaging the 08 funding, leaving Liverpool £22m short. Cllr Anderson claimed 08 had moved away from the promises made in the bid document that persuaded the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to award Liverpool the Culture accolade in 2003. Just days later, Lee Forde, general events manager at the Culture Company, resigned from his job after seven years with the city council. He was responsible for running the team which arranges some of the city’s showpiece events, including the Mathew Street Festival and the Lord Mayor’s Parade. Since resigning, however, Cllr Anderson has joined forces with council leader Warren Bradley to make a plea to Chancellor Gordon Brown to help plug the gap in the city’s culture year funding. So, following these latest developments, the Daily Post asks: Are plans for culture on track?
Success depends on what we want to achieve
No: Liverpool city council Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson
 A WILLINGNESS to accept constructive criticism from those who want 2008 to succeed will only benefit the Culture Company and city council. In the remaining seven months there is much work to be done to bring on board local communities and to resolve funding issues. I remain confident of established cultural organisations.. The Tate is currently hosting the Turner Prize, and the Klimt exhibition will be a jewel in 2008. The RLPO is fizzing with energy, and our theatres have an enviable mix of work. The World Museum attracts a younger audience and complements other collections . However, I have long argued inside the Culture Company that more needs to be done to engage local communities into 2008. Liverpool was awarded Capital of Culture because it promised to use the energy of its people. Many local organisations are left with a distinct impression their contribution is not valued and sometimes believe they are treated in a high-handed manner. What truly saddens me is that they, the Culture Company, give the impression they genuinely believe that out of hundreds and possibly thousands of local artists, producers, musicians and directors, there is absolutely no one capable of creating, devising or managing a cultural programme. The question of whether plans for culture and 2008 are on track depends on what it is we want to achieve, and what it is we use to judge its success. Of course, Capital of Culture will be a success as we are spending £106m. There will, of course, be an increase in visitors to the city and an increase in jobs in the service and retail industries; we can also showcase ourselves and help re-brand ourselves as a place to visit. However, if we are talking about a lasting legacy with a cultural and creative sector benefiting through investment and opportunity, then I have serious doubts. If we are talking about communities being motivated and involved and benefiting from the investment, then again I have serious doubts. The sad thing is that the challenge and constructive criticism I have made about Capital of Culture is portrayed by those in power as being negative. The fact that I have been inundated with letters, emails and calls from the public supporting my decision suggests the council and Culture Company should stop being so defensive and listen to the city’s residents and artists. We may be on track. but where is it leading?
Liverpool is on track to deliver an amazing 2008
Yes: Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool city council
ALTHOUGH Cllr Anderson’s resignation drew headlines last week, the real story is that Liverpool is very much on track to deliver an amazing year of events in 2008. Last November, we announced to critical acclaim the first wave of 08 highlights – 70 in total – the earliest by any Capital of Culture in the 23-year history of the acco-lade. In excess of 200 are being finalised with our cultural part-ners, with an announcement on the final programme by autumn. Within the year, there will be something for everyone, and the accent will be as much on showcasing home grown talent as on the best of the rest. Liverpool is at last in a position, like many other cities, where success breeds success. At last, we are attracting major sponsors, investors and a belief across all sectors. It is this which will provide the resources and unique programme that will enable cult-ure year to have a lasting legacy, one that recognises an outward-looking city; one that offers new opportunities and one that is vibrant, dynamic and diverse. Within 12 months of winning the title European Capital of Culture, the city revolutionised the way it works with the artistic community at both grassroots and professional level. From funding just seven organisations regularly each year, we now fund 27, on a three-year cycle. In the days that predate our Culture title, the arts got a measly £1m a year. The council and Cul-ture Company now invest in excess of £4m a year. Arts organi-sations can now plan ahead, develop their programmes, and nurture new talent. At grassroots level, our unique Creative Com-munities programme is the most successful community-based arts project in the UK. Since 2004 until March this year, we have funded more than 287 organisations and witnessed more than 2,977 events, involving 3,355 artists. They don’t always grab the headlines, but they open up new horizons for people of all ages. Now is not the time to judge the success or legacy of 2008. What we should be judging is the way the city has come together and what we have achieved so far. The creative partnerships that have been forged between artists, communities, schools, and others, locally, nationally or internation-ally, has been nothing short of exceptional. By 2008, the world will see a new Liverpool emerge – colourful, beautiful and confident. I want to see this city fly again. I want cul-ture to provide for our people and I want our economic prosperity to grow; together we can offer new enhanced opportunities for all. | 
Article
