Emperor and the Tiger _100

Samantha Parker looks at the impact Culture Year has had on Merseyside’s communities and what it means for the future

LIVERPOOL’S year as European Capital of Culture has been an unprecedented success – and cultural leaders say it’s in the communities where it has had its greatest impact.

Events showing the innovation and creativity that can be found in Liverpool have been springing up in every area.

Culture supremo Phil Redmond has described the impact as “colossal” and pledged: “For the next couple of years at least the same level of community funding will be available to keep the momentum of this year going.

“It is essential to support grassroots arts, culture and sports activities in the local community.”

Businesses also have a chance to support the legacy of the culture year by paying into an endowment fund.

Royal Liver Group has pledged £50,000 to the fund, which they helped to set up with partners the Community Foundation for Merseyside (CFM). Interest on the policy will be handed out to community initiatives in the form of a grants.

Since 2005, the CFM has delivered £800,000 to 171 community groups and their wish is to expand on this with the policy.

Many have used the Culture Company to part-fund events, with others seeking funding from other agencies to ensure the Culture year reaches their area.

Claire McColgan, creative communities manager at Liverpool Culture Company, said: “I think one of the best things to come out of this year is the number of events that haven’t been commissioned or supported by us.

“I think culture has reached people on many different levels. The Creative Communities team have connected what they are doing with the bigger picture of 2008.

“Big participation events such as the Tall Ships, La Machine and events that took place in the parks like The Emperor and the Tiger they have all engaged with people.