Issue - meetings

The Board received a report of the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, which provided an interim review of the Borough of Culture Project; this was supported by a presentation.

The award of the Liverpool City Region (LCR) Borough of Culture was inspired by the UK City of Culture Programme, that followed Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture in 2008.  This new initiative was launched in 2018, as Liverpool celebrated its 10^th Anniversary as the UK’s only European Capital of Culture. 

Members were advised that the Borough of Culture initiative was non-competitive and rotated around the Boroughs of the LCR.  Its overall aim was to stimulate talent, aspiration and promote creativity and economic growth through cultural engagement and activity across the City Region.  Each borough was required to weave five key elements into their creative programme – these were presented in the report.

Halton’s Borough of Culture year had been delivered under the banner ‘Celebrate Halton’ – celebrating Halton’s past, present and future, through a diverse programme of activity.

The report and presentation gave details of the Celebrate Halton Programme which included 500 activities 200 artistic/creative events, and described its outputs and outcomes so far.  It was announced that the Celebrating Halton’s Heritage public programme had started this month, focussing on ‘trades’ in Halton from the 1500’s to the present day, and would continue for another 6 months.

Members welcomed the update and positive responses and participation from residents and all partners across the Borough, such as the Catalyst and Norton Priory Museums and many more.  Some Members had attended events themselves and agreed that despite the challenges faced by Covid, the events were well attended, successful and enjoyable for the community.  The Board also recognised the efforts from staff and volunteers who contributed to the success of the Borough of Culture so far, and it was hoped that events that were cancelled due to the pandemic, would be rescheduled at some time in the future.

RESOLVED:  That the report and comments made be noted.