Wirral is gearing up for its year in the spotlight as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture 2024. The launch event took place at the Williamson Art Gallery, where Liverpool City Region (LCR) Mayor Steve Rotherham spoke to guests. The event also previewed the latest exhibition by acclaimed local photographer Craig Easton.
The LCR Borough of Culture was first established back in 2018 under the 1% for culture programme. This is an initiative to spend 1% of the LCR’s annual £30 million of devolution funding to support cultural activities. St Helens was the first Borough of Culture to coincide with its 150 anniversary.
The aim of the annual event is to expand and promote the existing cultural opportunities of the area; to nurture new talent pools in the creative sector; and to create sustainable economic growth in the creative sector and drive the visitor economy. Ultimately this can lead to better outcomes for health, education, community and wellbeing.
Speaking at the Wirral launch event, Mayor Rotherham said: “I’ve long maintained that our area is the UK’s cultural capital, but it’s not lost on me how we’ve achieved that enviable reputation. For all the investments we make in culture, none of our achievements would be possible if it wasn’t for the creativity and passion of our residents.”
He added: “It was after discussions with Sir Phil Redmond that I committed to investing 1% of funding to culture and it’s meant that we can invest in transformational programmes like Borough of Culture. It’s through initiatives like this that we can empower our local communities to celebrate their own unique blend of creativity and culture.”
“To put it simply, creativity is in our DNA – and I am really looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Wirral’s year in the cultural spotlight.”
Wirral is undergoing a significant transformation with major new investments, including the Wirral Waters programme. This is a development that has just got underway on the left banks of the River Mersey, and will provide a mixture of new leisure, retail, and creative workspace.
Wirral also has many existing cultural attractions, including the Lady Lever Art Gallery, the Eureka! Science and Discovery Centre, and the Floral Pavillion.
The Leader of Wirral Council, Councillor Paul Stuart, said: “We’re excited to be setting out a programme which will help make culture available to everyone and celebrate the places and people that make Wirral so very special.”
“I am especially delighted that young people are at the heart of the programme, with commissions and projects set to inspire a new generation of artists and creatives in a borough which has already produced so many.”
The celebrations will continue throughout the year, with a range of cultural activities, exhibitions and events that are designed to draw locals and visitors alike.
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