Culture in Crisis?: NWDA puts 08 on its risk list

Aug 13 2007 By Jessica Shaughnessy, Daily Post Staff

crisis in culture

THE man in charge of the North West’s economic development has put Capital of Culture Year on an “at-risk” list.

Chief Executive of the North West Development Agency (NWDA) Steven Broomhead says he is concerned that 2008 will be too elitist and wants the Culture Company to make the event more inclusive.

He said: “Capital of Culture is on my at-risk radar. It is a year of very complex events to deliver.

“Any similar event would be getting the same attention, and it is not to say that I am not confident it will be a success, but I am keeping a beady eye on it.”

Mr Broomhead said 2008 presents a number of challenges.

He said: “The year should not just be seen as a string of events, there has to be a balance and it has to embed itself into the community.

“The danger is that the events that are being staged could be seen as quite elitist, there needs to be more of an outreach approach, dealing with issues such as domestic violence and health.

“If you look at the bid and when it was made, the European Commission said any Capital of Culture should ensure ‘mobilisation’ and involve as many citizens as possible – and most importantly it needs to guarantee that this participation will continue after the event.”

Mr Broomhead said the recent setback concerning the Mathew Street Festival should not get in the way of next year’s celebrations.

He said: “It was a bad management wobble, an unfortunate set of circumstances, but it will get back on track.

“In the next three months, the Culture Company needs to work harder on getting people to recognise what 2008 is all about.”