Care needed on culture decision

Aug 29 2007 Liverpool Daily Post

NEWS that Liverpool's Culture Company could be dismantled will no doubt be greeted with cries of "About time, too!" from some.

This is an organisation that has lurched from one PR disaster to another; if all the world really was a stage, then the dramas and farces played out by the Culture Company would have had aud- iences howling with indignation by now.

Liverpool has watched in dismay as very public mistakes have been made, from Robyn Archer's brief term as artis- tic director to the cancellation of all out- door stages at the Mathew Street Fest- ival. Indeed, it would seem the Mathew Street debacle has been the final straw.

Now it emerges that a secret plan to scrap the Culture Company is being drawn up by the city council. The plan could form part of the outcome of the current internal inquiry into the decis- ion to cancel the Mathew Street Festival.

Earlier this month, the Liverpool Daily Post launched a week-long investigation into the plans for 2008 and the Culture Company. Our special report attracted widespread attention, and our Letters pages and internet forums were abuzz with views from readers, many of whom viewed the Culture Company with suspicion and concern.

The idea of disbanding the organis- ation and reabsorbing its role into the city council is a bold one. It will probably find favour with many people in the reg- ion – but popular opinion should have nothing to do with any move to disband the Culture Company.

This must be a measured, thoughtful and, above all, carefully-considered judg- ment – kneejerk decisions never work.

If it is the only way to make 2008 a success, to ensure we enjoy a year-long pageant that will make Liverpool an international destination, then the Cult- ure Company should go, and control of Culture Year taken back under city council control. But that move should only be taken after every other avenue and option has been explored.

Liverpool’s reign as European Capital of Culture begins in just a new months, and we must be absolutely certain we are right before we start changing things around now.