So far so good say Culture Company on 2008 success

May 17 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL Culture Company has declared the first half of 2008 a “success story”, as it begins to debate how to continue the momentum into next year.

Yesterday it gave a “school report” on progress so far, including figures that show 3m people are expected to have taken in a cultural activity in the city since January and attendance up by more than 50% at some attractions.

“In sum, I’d say so far, so good. That’s because everyone in the city and beyond has worked really hard to get their act together and create a fantastic start to Capital of Culture year,” said Culture Company chair Bryan Gray.

“The figures published in terms of visitors to Liverpool and to cultural organisations are way beyond expectations.

“We are very keen to measure the impact of Capital of Culture and there will be a report that will be a proper assessment of the year.

“I’m pretty confident that so far things are going well but there’s still some way to go.”

Cultural director Phil Redmond said: “This is a success story and we are very proud of it.

“The opening night was a fantastic night that most people who are interested in the city came out to see.

“That gives us the confidence that we will do something on a similar scale to close this great year and that people will believe in it.

“What they’ll believe is that culture is not just about sitting in a room watching or listening to things but it’s about bringing people together. Today we are starting that debate to get everybody focused on how we end the year and move on.”

Now the Culture Company believes more domestic visitors will be coming to the city as the credit crunch bites and people look into holidaying at home.

Director Kris Donaldson said: “[Capital of Culture] is resulting in people coming to Liverpool now – we thought it would be a catalyst for future tourism, we didn’t think we’d have this sort of influx in the first five months.”

Fiona Gasper, executive producer of the 2008 programme, said: “I’ve been really pleased with the way the programme has been received.

“The enthusiasm and support of the people of Liverpool is coming through.”

Highlights so far included performances from Wayne Shorter, Sir John Tavener, The Shankly Show, Three Sisters on Hope Street and the Viennese Balls.

Still to come are events including the Klimt exhibition opening at Tate Liverpool at the end of the month, the Liverpool Sound concert with Sir Paul McCartney and Dave Grohl on June 1, the Tall Ships race in July, the Mathew Street Festival, Pete Postlethwaite starring in King Lear at the Everyman in October, and the MTV Music Awards.

vickyanderson