Waterfronts, pop stars and a little scandal – Liverpool and Stockholm have them both

Jan 7 2008 by Jessica Shaughnessy, Liverpool Daily Post

STOCKHOLM has more in common with Liverpool than you might think. Like Liverpool, its nestled on a magnificent waterfront and is home to a world-famous four-piece pop band Abba who, in the seventies, were almost (but not quite) as iconic as the Beatles.

Ten years ago, the Swedish capital was also Europes Capital of Culture and 1998 saw in the citys tourism and cultural rebirth. But, just as in Liverpool, Capital of Culture did not come without its problems in Stockholm.

Political rows and very public incompetencies threatened to blight the citys year of glory and opportunity.

When there is such an enormous amount of money involved, there is bound to be some arguments and disagreements, said Li Sodermark, who led the media team for Stockholms Capital of Culture year.

Though at the time the discrepancies seemed embarrassing, now they can barely be recalled.

However, one major incident that does spring to mind is the commissioning of an activity ship for Stockholms young people, which was found to be carrying drugs.

That caused a media furore and, for the remainder of the Capital of Culture year, the vessel was referred to as Narcotic Ship.

It was only a very small amount of drugs. The episode was embarrassing and, of course, it was seized on by the media.

We had a very positive relationship with the media mostly. They publicised the many events that were going on, but if anything happened then they would have a field day with it.

It is understandable given the amount of money that was involved. Everybody wanted to know exactly what was going on with the money; how it was being spent.

There were complaints that ordinary people werent included and the money was paying for the wrong things that the city wasnt prepared for everything that was happening.

The truth is, there probably was not that much direction. It was just event after event. There was probably too much to swallow.

Ms Sodermarks recollections are reminiscent of the complaints heard on a daily basis in Liverpool: Capital of Culture is too elitist. Will there be a true legacy? Are the politicians and officers put in charge of organising it spending the money wisely? How is the city in s20m of debt? Liverpool is a building site and will never be ready . . .

But, though the concerns are very similar, Ms Sodermarks counterparts in Liverpool have had to deal with stormier patches than a Narcotic Ship.

THERE was the furore following the cancellation of the Mathew Street Festival and the unceremonious departure of artistic director Robyn Archer, who allegedly took a chunk of the citys cash with her in the form of a healthy pay-off.

But, though Stockholms embarrassments were not on the same scale as Liverpools, their Capital of Culture was not either.

To start with, the money involved is streets apart. In 1998, Stockholms culture year cost 500m Krona just under s40m while more than s100m will have been spent on the celebrations in Liverpool by the end of 2008.

And just what has Stockholm got to show for it?

Liverpool will have an Arena, a new canal link, the Paradise Street shopping centre and countless developments.

The only tangible legacy in Stockholm is the Spanga-Tensta arts centre, in a deprived suburb of the city, much like Liverpools Toxteth.

Maria Schottenius, Culture Editor of Dagens Nyheters, Stockholms leading morning newspaper, said: We did not see any of the regeneration that you describe.