A NEW head of culture for Liverpool City Council has been announced today, with the hope she will build on the success of the city’s year as European Capital of Culture.

Claire McColgan, currently the executive producer for Liverpool Culture Company, will take on the role in early 2009 to lead a team of around 25 people in delivering the city council’s cultural programme.

Ms McColgan, 38, has been a key figure in the city’s Capital of Culture year since the bid in 2000.

She said: "I’m really excited to be able to continue all the work which has been undertaken over the last five years and help Liverpool to continue to lead creatively.

"The success of 08 was all about partnership working and along with other cultural organisations in the city we can start thinking about new ways to keep the amazing momentum going and build on the legacy of the year."

Some of the projects Ms McColgan has led on include the opening weekend, Portrait of a Nation, It’s Not Ok and Generation 21.

Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley said: "Claire’s track record is impeccable and is hugely respected locally and nationally for inspiring and delivering community-led cultural projects.

"Claire has consistently demonstrated her creative ability to capture the imagination of all ages and is a huge asset to the city’s plans post ‘08.

"This appointment demonstrates the council’s commitment to working alongside partners, and under Claire’s leadership will provide the whole region a future programme to be proud of."

Ms McColgan is a graduate of Liverpool John Moores University and has lived in South Liverpool for 20 years.