Thoughts
Liverpool. We evolve, we Change, never still…
“Liverpool was in the news again recently with the news that we had lost our UNESCO World Heritage status because it was believed that new developments threatened the value of our waterfront. While the decision is obviously disappointing, in reality people will still come to Liverpool to enjoy our wonderful waterfront, our magnificent built environment...
Is culture the new petrol?…
“Challenges with staffing, suppliers, delays in deliveries and legislation run the risk of turning culture and events into the next industry hit by post pandemic pandemonium. In Spring, Liverpool was at the centre of the Event Research Programme – the Government initiative to explore the possibility of major events returning safely as we started to...
The writings on the wall…
“I was made up to learn that a group of musicians and friends are putting a plaque on the wall of the Zanzibar in celebration of the late, great Tony Butler who ran the venue for a quarter of a century. The Zanzibar was special and Tony was at the heart of why the venue is regarded...
Culture, what is it good for… absolutely everything!
“A statement that embodies more meaning than it perhaps realised, ‘culture, what is it good for? Absolutely everything‘ and it couldn’t be more true, especially in a city so effervescent with culture, art and heritage as Liverpool. During a global pandemic, it could be easy to forget the intrinsic value our arts and cultural scene...
A new sound for Liverpool…
“This January saw the launch of a brand new campaign for the city, bringing together Liverpool’s arts organisations to show-off their impressive cultural credentials. At the heart of this campaign is a new film, aptly named ‘#CulturesClub’, which shines a spotlight on the huge array of establishments that make up the region’s live performance, music...
Liverpool’s Against Racism… ok LAR?
“Last month, Liverpool hosted Liverpool Against Racism – a week-long series of events to raise the issue of anti-Black discrimination and reiterate that we are a city against racism, we are positive about change and we WILL change the narrative around racism in Liverpool and beyond. Never afraid to stand at the forefront of change,...
The power of public service…
“There is a pretty well-rehearsed argument that the less you hear about city councils and public services, then the better they are doing. But that is to misunderstand what can happen when you fill public service roles with people that are ambitious, hardworking, creatively curious and who really, really love their city. Yesterday, the world...
Eurovision, This is Liverpool Calling…
“The news that the BBC is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union to potentially host the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023 immediately made me think that Liverpool would be the perfect host city! Of course in an ideal world it would be held in Ukraine who won this year’s contest but sadly for reasons...
If all the world could be Prescot…
“I went to the opening of Shakespeare North last night in Prescot. People talk about culturally led regeneration in terms of glib places around the country vying for a shiny thing to brighten up a high street or to halt a trajectory of decline. These projects are sometimes thought through by consultants creating a whole...
Events Research Programme
Liverpool has always been at the forefront of cultural events, a fact that provided the impetus to us staging the largest pilot event programme in the UK as part of the national Events Research Programme (ERP). Following the government’s announcement of our involvement in their research programme, a huge amount of work took place behind...
