From liverpool08....

Multi-million arts boost in culture city
Liverpool is planning a £12m boost to arts and cultural organisations so they can plan for the European Capital of Culture year in 2008.

The Liverpool Culture Company has proposed a radical new funding package, including a recommendation that arts grants change from an annual to a three-year cycle.

A report outlining grant funding for 27 organisations, highlighted as key to underpinning the delivery of the artistic programme and Capital of Culture calendar, is to go to the city council's Executive Board on Friday 3 March.

If approved, Liverpool will award grants of £3.6m in 06-07, £3.69m in 07-08 and £3.77m in 08-09.

Over the three years, the Culture Company has also set aside a further £1.2m for arts organisations and community groups to pay for projects that compliment the themed years programme - i.e. Performance in 2006 and Heritage in 2007.

The new package would mark a four-fold annual increase in arts grants since 2000-01, the year the city decided to bid for the 08 crown, when less than £1m was awarded.

On top of grants, the Liverpool Culture Company has also budgeted to invest £16.2m in events and arts in 2008 alone.

The report outlines that the main objective of the new grants package is to 'maintain, enhance and grow the cultural infrastructure of the city'.

The three-year strategy has the backing of the Arts Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, both of which recently pledged a total of £10m to the city's 08 plans.

Cllr Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "The Liverpool Culture Company cannot deliver the artistic programme for European Capital of Culture 2008 on its own. The city's arts sector has an important role to play in delivering activity up to and including 2008. This funding enables them to plan ahead and help deliver an outstanding cultural programme.''

As well as funding through grants, the Liverpool Culture Company will also develop partnerships with existing organisations, including collaborations, co-productions, and commissions to deliver the 08 programme.

A review of grant processes carried out by the Community Foundation Merseyside recommended the group of Regularly-Funded Organisations be broadened.

The proposed 27 organisations are:

Africa Oyé
Ariel Trust
Arts in Regeneration
Unity Theatre
Biennial Festival
Bluecoat Arts Centre
Brouhaha
FACT
Homotopia
Hope Street
Lantern Festival
Liverpool Irish Festival
Liverpool Centre for Arts Development
Liverpool Arabic Arts Festival
Liverpool Comedy Trust
Liverpool Theatres Trust
Merseyside Dance Initiative
Milapfest
Mzone
NWDAF and DaDaFest
Open Eye Gallery
Pagoda Chinese Youth Orchestra
Positive Impact
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society
Tate Liverpool
Walk the Plank
Writing On The Wall
Jason Harborow, Chief Operating Officer of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "These organisations underline the outstanding cultural strength and quality of Liverpool and why we were chosen to represent the UK in 2008. They are central to delivering key aspects of the artistic programme. By providing certainty that their funding is in place leading up to and including 2008, they will be better able to plan delivery in these years.''

The project grants have been devised so that arts organisations can bid for a maximum of £15,000 and a maximum of £5,000 for community groups to allow for participation and creative links to the themed years. This will be distributed via an annual application process based on criteria which will include deliverability, impact and quality.

If approved by the Executive Board, the Liverpool Culture Company will launch the annual projects grants round in the summer.

Professor Drummond Bone, Chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "A strong and sustainable cultural sector is vital if we are to deliver the best-ever European Capital of Culture in 2008. This new package underlines our commitment to provide arts organisations and the people of Liverpool opportunities to showcase their talent on a global stage.''

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 23, 2006 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The February 2006 edition of 08 Update can be downloaded via this link It includes features on the launch of the fourth Capital of Culture themed year - Liverpool Performs 2006. Liverpool Performs will be a year long celebration of the city's reputation for top class performances in the sports, arts and business arenas

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 20, 2006 08:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From eupolitix.com...
Special report: Liverpool’s long and winding road

Liverpool has put its heart and soul into preparing to be European city of culture in 2008.

The “greatest day in Liverpool’s recent history” came quite unexpectedly, on June 4 2003. The announcement that the Merseyside city will be the UK’s European capital of culture in 2008 was considered the key to unlocking a regional renaissance.

Locals hope the standing will allow Liverpool to transform its image from gloomy northern city to major European player. According to some estimations the cultural status will generate at least £2bn in investment, 14,000 new jobs and 1.7 million extra tourists.

“2008 is the rocket fuel for Liverpool’s economy,” Mike Storey, deputy chairman of the Liverpool culture company declared. “June 4 2003 changed Liverpool. At a stroke, national and international perceptions changed and the image of the city improved. Solid foundations have now been laid for Liverpool’s ongoing transformation into a world-class city.”

LINK to full article

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 19, 2006 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From the Liverpool Daily Post...

100 reasons why we'll be the best culture capital

1. The city will have more than 50 international festivals in art, architecture, ballet, comedy, cinema, food, literature, music and theatre.

2. By 2008, more than £3bn will have been invested in Liverpool businesses over the last five year.

3. More than 14,000 jobs will be created as a result of the surge in businesses and tourist attractions in and around the city.

4. At the start of the Tall Ships Race in July, more than 1m people are expected to come and watch.

5. Income from tourism in Liverpool surpassed the £1bn milestone for the first time last year and is set to grow even further.
....

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 17, 2006 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lets hope so.

From the Daily Post....

Culture company can be permanent
By Sam Lister Daily Post Staff

THE organisation behind Liverpool's Capital of Culture celebrations is set to stay in the city until 2015, the Daily Post can reveal.

Executives are drawing up a business plan that will secure the team's future once Liverpool's reign is over.

They want to continue signing up private investors as well as winning public sector cash to fund cultural events in the city well into the next decade.

If it proves successful Liverpool Culture Company could continue indefinitely.

Cllr Berni Turner, executive member for environment and heritage, was given special responsibility for the city's post-08 culture strategy in the council's cabinet reshuffle last month.
She said: "2008 is the springboard from which we jump to greater heights.

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 15, 2006 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, some people like them apparently.

Simply Red - first act announced for Liverpool Summer Pops
Big top appearance on 18 July followed by Il Divo gig on July 21
Tickets go on sale Monday, February 20

The big top experience returns for 2006 bigger and better than ever as one of the most important events of the European Summer music calendar.

And organisers have launched the 06 programme by making a double announcement - with chart sensations Il Divo to make their Summer Pops debut three days later.

Simply Red are without doubt a truly great British act. This year sees Mick Hucknall and co celebrate twenty one years of hits and this show is a great chance to hear classic tracks from one of this country's most consistently successful groups.

Since 1985's debut single Money's Too Tight To Mention reached the UK top twenty, Simply Red have enjoyed over twenty years of hits from their 1986 US number one Holding Back The Years to their classic cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes' If You Don't Know Me By Now. 1991's huge Stars album saw Simply Red selling millions and in 1995 they celebrated their first UK number one with the wonderful Fairground.

The dramatic rise of Il Divo has been breathtaking in its speed and ground breaking in its success over the last 18 months, bringing opera to the mainstream, thrilling the world in the process.

Details www.cmplive.com

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 14, 2006 08:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales, publishers of the Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post, is to become Official Partner to the European Capital of Culture 2008.

The Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post played a crucial role in Liverpool winning the Capital of Culture crown in June 2003. The papers campaigned vigorously and worked closely with other agencies on Merseyside to secure its success.

The deal, announced today, gives Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales the chance to work closely with The Liverpool Culture Company on a range of exciting new publishing opportunities leading up to 2008 and beyond. The partnership is a deal worth £2m, made up of cash, marketing support and publishing agreements.

Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales Regional Managing Director Sara Wilde said: "The Liverpool Echo and Liverpool Daily Post are part of the fabric of Liverpool. Our papers have a heritage here stretching back to 1855 and we will continue to be at the heart of the city's culture.

The Liverpool Culture Company, which has a £94.9m four year budget to deliver 2008, is a year ahead of schedule in its Official Partner programme after setting an initial target of having 12 partners by 2008.

Jason Harborow, Chief Operating Officer of Liverpool Culture Company, said: ''Our portfolio of partners demonstrates that business is backing Liverpool 08 in a big way. With Trinity's support the culture company now has the ability to reach more than five million people and tell them about the exciting plans we have in store for 08.''

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 14, 2006 08:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I was very fortunate a while ago to be able to attend this prestigious event. The Philharmonic Hall was packed with VIPs (and me) to watch the gala performance in honour of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts being exactly 10 years old.
Sir Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty were there of course with Heather and Paul's brother Mike to watch a good performance by current and former students. It was a bit too Broadway Musical style for my taste, local band The Wombats were scheduled to add a bit of rock but they didn't appear for some reason.

After the performance we went up the road to the LIPA building for a reception. Its my old school as well and I had to disagree with Sir Paul when he said nice things about the old place, I hated every single minute that I was there. Its a lovely place now of course and all credit to the benefactors, staff and students for making it so.
The event was also used to launch the brochure and details of the 2006 Themed year - Liverpool Performs.
It was a good do, I introduced myself to Robyn Archer and chatted to other Culture Company people and a few celebrities.

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 10, 2006 03:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From liverpool08....

Subic Bay, Philippines - Clipper Ventures PLC has announced that it will cover the costs for crew taking part in its Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race to be flown home whilst keel problems are being assessed and repaired on its fleet of 10 Clipper 68s.

The marine events company's fleet of boats is currently berthed in Subic Bay in the Philippines after being diverted during Race 6 from Singapore to Qingdao due to keel problems.

In a statement issued to crews at Subic Bay Yacht Club on Thursday morning, Clipper Race Chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston explained that the work on the ocean racing yachts is likely to take around a month and arrangements will be made for crews to travel home whilst repairs are carried out.

Sir Robin said: "Crews will be only too aware of the problem that has affected the yachts. We believe that by the time the problem has been properly assessed and a solution decided upon, plus the remedial work carried out, the Clipper race will be delayed by as much as a month, although this is by necessity an approximate date."

Clipper Ventures said that it will arrange for crew to be either flown home for the duration of the delay, or receive the cost of such flights in lieu. Crew members that were due to leave the race in China will be flown to from Manila to Qingdao by Clipper to catch pre-booked flights.

"We have taken this action swiftly to minimise disruption to crews," Sir Robin said. "The Clipper crews are at the heart of the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Race, and we hope that this move to cover travel expenses demonstrates that they remain our priority as we endeavour to get them racing again as soon as possible."

Sir Robin said that once the remedial work has been completed, it is intended to continue the race as originally planned. "This will mean delays to the original schedule, and the new schedules will be published once we have a firm date for the completion of the remedial work," Sir Robin said.

A team of experts are flying out from the UK to assess the damage and present a proposed timeframe for the repairs to be completed, and Clipper Ventures expects to have a clearer idea of when the fleet will depart the Philippines to continue the race by the latter part of next week.

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 10, 2006 01:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a tough job for somebody. I like that last bit
"lateral approaches that characterise work in the arts at this level." Very true.

From liverpool08...

PA to the Artistic Director
Salary: £20,295 - £21,654
Ref: CUL/2052/2689
Closing date: 2 March 2006

The European Capital of Culture 2008 represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Liverpool to reposition itself as a world-class city. Liverpool is a winning city facing and embracing change, it is in the midst of a renaissance and this is an opportunity for artistic professionals to make a difference and help deliver the best Capital of Culture ever to local, regional, national and international audiences.

The Liverpool Culture Company, which is delivering the European Capital of Culture for Liverpool City Council is looking for one individual to join its Artistic team to work as Personal Assistant to Robyn Archer, Artistic Director of Liverpool, European Capital of Culture 2008.

The main purpose of the role is to assist the Artistic Director to function effectively and efficiently through the provision of comprehensive confidential support services.

This position requires someone who has some experience of international arts and a love of the arts. This is a challenging position and cannot be done without maximum commitment and understanding or ability to understand the world of international arts. This position requires a person with excellent secretarial and organisational skills, but also the necessary flexibility, resourcefulness, energy and lateral approaches that characterise work in the arts at this level.

Go to 08 site for full details

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 8, 2006 01:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fom liverpool08 5/2/2006
Clipper Race diverted to Philippines
On Saturday 4 February at approximately 0830 GMT, Glasgow Clipper reported a loose keel bolt and as a result the Race Team immediately advised the rest of the ten-strong fleet to check their bolts for movement.

After carrying out an inspection, six other yachts reported slight movement of the keel bolt. Following this discovery of similar problems elsewhere in the fleet, the decision was taken to divert all 10 Clipper 68s to Subic Bay in the Philippines for a full investigation and for any necessary remedial work to be carried out.

There is no risk to the yachts and their crews and this decision has been taken as a precautionary measure given that crew safety is paramount in the organisation of the Clipper 05-06 Round the World Yacht Race. The boats are maintaining regular contact with the Race Team as they reach Subic Bay.

Further to yesterday's decision to divert the fleet, the first boats, Durban and Victoria, arrived in Subic Bay at around 0700 GMT this morning (Sunday 5 February). The rest of the fleet are expected to arrive over the next 12 hours.

Haul out facilities are currently being investigated and work will commence as soon as possible on ascertaining the full extent of the problem. The Clipper Race Team is flying out to meet the fleet in Subic Bay where action will be taken to minimise disruption to the schedule of the race.

Regular updates will be published on the Clipper Race website www.clipper-ventures.com/2006.

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 7, 2006 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

From liverpool08...

LIVERPOOL'S drive to become the UK's most tourist friendly city has received a major boost.

The organisers of the European Capital of Culture 2008 have been given the green light to run two tourist information centres - one in the city centre and the other at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The 08 Place - Britain's only Culture One Stop Shop - is to take over the service from Queen Square after the Liverpool Culture Company agreed a deal with The Mersey Partnership, which also includes it running the Airport TIC.

The move, approved on Friday by Liverpool City Council's Executive Board, means as of February 13 tourists can get all the information about Liverpool and 2008 in the same place for the first time.

To further bolster the new 08 TIC's and the city's appeal to tourists, Liverpool Culture Company is set to launch Britain's first on-street digital walkie-talkie guide next month.

For just a £15 deposit visitors will be able to navigate the World Heritage city's top 16 must-see attractions, equipped with a free guide and a digital trigger - available at the 08 Place - which activates a DVD within panels installed at the attractions.

The Heritage Audio Tour of Liverpool, available in seven languages, is the latest phase of a £1 million campaign called 'Connecting Liverpool'. It has revolutionised the look of the city's street signage, way finders and heritage plaques.

Martin King, Director of Tourism at The Mersey Partnership said: "Tourist Information Centres are a vital part of the service for visitors. Interest in our year as European Capital of Culture is growing all the time and we believe transferring the TIC's to the Liverpool Culture Company will enable the City Region to offer unrivalled visitor services.''

Liverpool can expect to attract expected extra 1.7 million visitors in 2008 - with blockbuster events from the opening of the new Liverpool Arena at Kings Dock, the start of the Tall Ships Race, the 5th Liverpool Biennial to the Open Championships at Royal Birkdale.

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 6, 2006 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Not sure why they needed to respond to a load of nonsense that's been in the local press for the last few weeks but here we are...

We're backing Robyn Feb 1 2006
By Joe Riley, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S leading arts groups have given their full backing to the work of the Culture Company in planning 2008.

In a joint statement, the Liverpool Philharmonic, as well as the city's theatres and galleries endorse the work of artistic director Robyn Archer.

Australian Ms Archer has been at the centre of stories about obtaining a UK work visa.

The arts bosses expressed concern at a widely held public perception that "nothing was happening" in the run-up to Capital of Culture.

LINK

Posted by Ian Jackson at February 1, 2006 06:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)