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Southend bids to become UK Capital of Culture (From Echo)
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Southend bids to become UK Capital of Culture
8:07am Friday 16th October 2009
Southend is to compete with Manchester, Durham and Derby to become the first UK Capital of Culture in 2013, it has been revealed.
Arts group Metal and regeneration company Renaissance Southend are backing the council’s bid to become a national showcase for culture and creativity that could potentially attract thousands of visitors to the town.
The winning place, to be announced next spring, will host some national cultural events which have not yet been revealed, as well as putting on a year-long programme of their own. There will also be national promotion of the town or city in an effort to encourage people to attend events and celebrations during the year.
Towns with similar accolades, including Liverpool which was European City of Culture in 2008, saw a massive increase in tourism as a result of winning the title.
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Your Say YourEcho
Winston Smith, Old Shoebury. says...
8:18am Fri 16 Oct 09
Which culture? The culture of ripping off the council tax payer with endless dead end consultations? The culture of tearing down the historic heritage of Southend and replacing it with fugly concrete carbuncles? The culture of making us pay an extra tax on top of all our other taxes to park outside our own homes?
To paraphrase a well known Royle, European city of culture... my @rse!
Ps. to become a city of culture a place first has to be a city.
perini, Leigh on Sea says...
8:29am Fri 16 Oct 09
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
8:38am Fri 16 Oct 09
kde, shoebury says...
8:47am Fri 16 Oct 09
AC, Eastwood says...
8:52am Fri 16 Oct 09
southendreb, southend says...
8:59am Fri 16 Oct 09
perini wrote:look and see who else is involved
I've checked - it is still October! - Anyone would think that this is April 1st! Who but Renaissance could come up with this ludicrous idea? Bin it, and stop wasting our money!
metal and trhe university and E17 and renaissance
all of them have no knowledge of southend or its true culture
.
the cabinet has pound notes in its eyes
i was in liverpool earlier this year and people had pride in the place.
ps did anyone read the casino bid
what a load of rubbish that was.
Soozie, Southend on sea says...
9:04am Fri 16 Oct 09
AC wrote:We would be behind this 100% but anytime that you hear the words 'Renaissance Southend' you know it is going to cost a lot of money for a few pretty pictures, then nothing comes of it. Happens time and time and time again.
The headline is misleading. It's 'Capital of Culture'. Not 'City of Culture'. Judging from the comments above it's good to see that the residents are getting behind the initiative as usual.
Hard to build up hopes when teh council says things, but never produces.
Sir Henry Rawlinson, Rawlinson End says...
9:08am Fri 16 Oct 09
:0)
25JAS, Southend says...
9:16am Fri 16 Oct 09
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
9:25am Fri 16 Oct 09
It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.
Winston Smith, Old Shoebury. says...
9:44am Fri 16 Oct 09
Nebs wrote:They can see the sights... our falling down pier... the authentic unedited cliffslip preserved for all time by a fence... the potholed roads... the drug dens of Westcliff... the fugly concrete facade of the Costa del Chalkwell...
My first thoughts were the same as previous posts, but half way through typing a facetious post slagging off the council I saw the light - if Liverpool can win it then we must be certainties.
It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.
They can experience the local culture of being caught on every different type of speed camera available to mankind... get parking tickets free all over town... walk miles out of town to enjoy our Olympic sized footbath at Garrons... shop anywhere they like so long as its Tesco... trip over uneven flagstones as they are replaced on a daily basis in the High Street... shop in bargain basement pound and 99p stores as they browse our comprehensive collection of High Street charity shops...
All this brought to you courtesy of Southend Borough Council and Renaissance Southend's money wasting inaction.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
9:53am Fri 16 Oct 09
Winston Smith wrote:In contrast to Liverpool, which has always been renowned wordwide for the beauty of its architecture, the complete abscence of a drug culture, and the friendliness of the people at welcoming outsiders. As I said, if they can get it then so can we.
Nebs wrote: My first thoughts were the same as previous posts, but half way through typing a facetious post slagging off the council I saw the light - if Liverpool can win it then we must be certainties. It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.They can see the sights... our falling down pier... the authentic unedited cliffslip preserved for all time by a fence... the potholed roads... the drug dens of Westcliff... the fugly concrete facade of the Costa del Chalkwell... They can experience the local culture of being caught on every different type of speed camera available to mankind... get parking tickets free all over town... walk miles out of town to enjoy our Olympic sized footbath at Garrons... shop anywhere they like so long as its Tesco... trip over uneven flagstones as they are replaced on a daily basis in the High Street... shop in bargain basement pound and 99p stores as they browse our comprehensive collection of High Street charity shops... All this brought to you courtesy of Southend Borough Council and Renaissance Southend's money wasting inaction.
anon anon, southend on sea says...
10:05am Fri 16 Oct 09
perini, Leigh on Sea says...
10:08am Fri 16 Oct 09
Nebs wrote:Yes - but Liverpool has the thriving John Lennon airport, several hotels based in the proximity of Albert Dock as well as in the town centre. Look at all the new buildings north and south of the docks and ask yourself if Southend could even come anywhere close within a 4 year time span. We all know that Renaissance Southend is all hot air, pretty pictures (artists impressions) and not a lot else - apart from being a major drain on local taxpayers contributions.
Winston Smith wrote:In contrast to Liverpool, which has always been renowned wordwide for the beauty of its architecture, the complete abscence of a drug culture, and the friendliness of the people at welcoming outsiders. As I said, if they can get it then so can we.Nebs wrote: My first thoughts were the same as previous posts, but half way through typing a facetious post slagging off the council I saw the light - if Liverpool can win it then we must be certainties. It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.They can see the sights... our falling down pier... the authentic unedited cliffslip preserved for all time by a fence... the potholed roads... the drug dens of Westcliff... the fugly concrete facade of the Costa del Chalkwell... They can experience the local culture of being caught on every different type of speed camera available to mankind... get parking tickets free all over town... walk miles out of town to enjoy our Olympic sized footbath at Garrons... shop anywhere they like so long as its Tesco... trip over uneven flagstones as they are replaced on a daily basis in the High Street... shop in bargain basement pound and 99p stores as they browse our comprehensive collection of High Street charity shops... All this brought to you courtesy of Southend Borough Council and Renaissance Southend's money wasting inaction.
AC, Eastwood says...
10:21am Fri 16 Oct 09
Parsnip, Canvey says...
10:31am Fri 16 Oct 09
I'm sure the good people of Southend will easily drink anyone from anywhere else under the table....that's culture
Mark D, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:40am Fri 16 Oct 09
Bonneville Bert, Southend says...
10:58am Fri 16 Oct 09
Best laugh since I saw Jimmy Jones at Kings club.
There's some idiots in that thar Council!!
Peter Pantsless, Southend-on-Sea says...
11:21am Fri 16 Oct 09
Oh, wait a minute thats almost every week!
.
Does anyone know the LAST project that Renaissance were involved with that was a success?
.
In fact does anyone know of ANY projects that renaissance were involved in that were a success???
.
I do though know of one accolade we could stand a chance of winning...
.
UK Capital of Benefit Culture!
Ivanna Goodhump, says...
11:33am Fri 16 Oct 09
Winston Smith wrote:I couldn't have put it better myself.
Nebs wrote: My first thoughts were the same as previous posts, but half way through typing a facetious post slagging off the council I saw the light - if Liverpool can win it then we must be certainties. It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.They can see the sights... our falling down pier... the authentic unedited cliffslip preserved for all time by a fence... the potholed roads... the drug dens of Westcliff... the fugly concrete facade of the Costa del Chalkwell... They can experience the local culture of being caught on every different type of speed camera available to mankind... get parking tickets free all over town... walk miles out of town to enjoy our Olympic sized footbath at Garrons... shop anywhere they like so long as its Tesco... trip over uneven flagstones as they are replaced on a daily basis in the High Street... shop in bargain basement pound and 99p stores as they browse our comprehensive collection of High Street charity shops... All this brought to you courtesy of Southend Borough Council and Renaissance Southend's money wasting inaction.
What a complete farce.
How about the Echo print a refresher on how much it costs to run Renaissance Southend and then lists their successes to date.
This will emphasise to all us taxpayers what good value for money this Quango is ......
In any other business capacity, if an organisation had been subsidised/funded to the level of Renaissance Southend and had achieved nothing of substance, it's Directors would have been dismissed and the company wound up long ago.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
11:41am Fri 16 Oct 09
Winston Smith, Old Shoebury. says...
12:06pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Nebs wrote:The general idea is a good one. Unfortunately the fact that Renaissance Southend are involved means it will be yet more tens of thousands of pounds of yours and my council tax wasted on brochures, council junkets to foreign lands, and artist's impressions, for zero end result.
It would seem that I am alone in welcoming a "bit of culture" into the area.
I agree with Ivana Goodhump's sentiments that the Echo should do a full expose of Renaissance Southend's record of money spent and projects completed.
152, Rochford says...
12:19pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Sir Henry Rawlinson, Rawlinson End says...
12:22pm Fri 16 Oct 09
There was equal hilarity when it was suggested Glasgow and Liverpool be entered and much disbelief when they both actually won. The effects on each City, however, were remarkable and considerable outside (Government and private) investment was made to both the city and its infrastructure, most of which is still in place.
Looking at the alternatives, why shouldn't Southend have a chance? Underneath the scabby exterior, there is potential and maybe it needs something like this to bring it out. At the risk of opening another can of worms on this thread, there is little doubt that the proposed airport expansion wouldn't do the bid any harm and may even compensate for the efforts of Renaissance Southend. This thread is not, however, the place to reopen that particular should we/shouldn't we argument.
Anyway, before my cynical hat finds its way back on to my head, let's not dismiss this as a foolish idea as I've seen it work before and, if managed properly, the long term benefits could be our future inheritance for the next generation (aaargh - did i really say/type that?).
colourzoom, Westcliff says...
12:25pm Fri 16 Oct 09
The good people at Metal are to be congratulated on all they are achieving to bring culture to the masses in Southend, but culture is lost on the majority of people in this town.
Until we can start engendering civic pride among the residents of my beloved hometown, we're never going to win any awards.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
12:51pm Fri 16 Oct 09
The activities of the company are described on 2 lines. Whilst this may be normal for a run-of-the-mill small family company, I think it is disgraceful for a publicly funded body. Could the directors not have told us what they were doing, how they were doing it, and where the money was coming from to do it?
They manage a full page giving details of the company pension scheme.
Total income for the year was all descibed a Grant Income, and was £1,271,950 (£963,021)
The only breakdown of expenditure shows:
£755,364 (£789,526)project costs
£646,281 (£457,446)administr
ation
A deficit of £129,695 (£283,951).
Out of the admin costs they paid 136,883 to the directors, 23,546 went in depreciation, 28,560 went into the pension fund. The rest is anybodys guess, but I suppose a fair chunk would go on staff salaries and accomodation costs.
.
With a population of 160,000, the income works out at £8 for every man woman and child in the borough. Whoever suggested the Echo should investigate this was spot on.
Peter Pantsless, Southend-on-Sea says...
12:54pm Fri 16 Oct 09
DannyK86, Leigh says...
1:15pm Fri 16 Oct 09
It's worth noting the other entrants (from the BBC website):
Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton and Hove, Carlisle, Chester, Chichester, Chorley, Bath, Cornwall, County Durham, Derby, Derry, Gloucester and Cheltenham, Leicester, Manchester, Oxford, Pennine Lancashire, Reading, Sheffield, "The Countryside", Urban South Hampshire and Wakefield.
To be honest, I think Southend would come halfway through the rankings - it certainly has more to offer than a rundown northern mill town like Chorley or Wakefield!
Southendreb - culture is different things to different people, not everybody is you remember. I don't really have any time for performance art and weird conceptual modern art myself, but it floats some people's boat.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
1:20pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Lots of publically funded bodies, charities, and even some companies, put a set of their accounts on their website - might be an idea if they did the same, so as we could all see what they get and how they spend it without having to pay for the privelege.
Orpheus Stapler, Southend says...
1:43pm Fri 16 Oct 09
I guess at least another 1.5 million but that might be very short of the mark.
What are they doing and why isn't there any good public information about them? Anyone care to make a request under the freedom of information act?
Marshwalker, Shoeburyness says...
2:32pm Fri 16 Oct 09
nails, Prittlewell says...
3:47pm Fri 16 Oct 09
...........You've got more chance of getting Gordon Brown to abolish income taax.!!!!!!
pw1954, says...
4:15pm Fri 16 Oct 09
marshman, says...
5:05pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Capital of culture????
LMFAO :))
SARFENDMAN, Rayleigh says...
5:35pm Fri 16 Oct 09
We got plans man. LOADS OF PLANS! WE GOT 'UNDREDS! WE GOT KONSULTANTS! Just look fore rite won bee there sumwear in Cowncil File. Sarfend's GOT TALENT, DAT'S IT! Kool! Gonna WIN! RIGHT!
wotsit, southend says...
6:06pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Ossiett, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
6:22pm Fri 16 Oct 09
There will be plenty of people and businesses, internationally/nati
onally and regionally, who will now be looking at the town. As a marketing tool for the town brilliant. More people will visit, more businesses will consider moving into the town and we may even attract a confirmed Olympic training camp off the back of this, even if we don't win this competition.
If we had not entered all those complaining above would have said, in early 2010, why didn't Southend enter it, so you will never please professional Southend knockers, every town has them, some who obviously have political points to win, because they can't win it at the ballot box.
For those that say Southend has no culture, I have been immersed in it all year, fantastic at Village Green, excellent Film Festival, excellent theatre offer just to start, and for what is ramping up through East 15 at the University, loads from Metal and TAP then great, keep it coming.
I for one have a lot of faith in the direction this town is going, and I know the youth of Southend do too, and as they will be running it one day more power to their elbow, I say.
Bester, Essex says...
6:24pm Fri 16 Oct 09
andyh, Rayleigh says...
6:36pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Bids will be assessed in terms of the ability of the proposed City of Culture programme to make a step change in that city. Culture will not be narrowly defined but bidding cities will be asked to spell out their own vision for City of Culture and how they will use that in making a step change. Bidders will need to demonstrate:
1. A high quality cultural programme that reaches a wide variety of audiences, and is a fitting follow-on from Liverpool Capital of Culture and the Cultural Olympiad;
2. A programme that uses culture to lead to lasting social regeneration by engagement, widening participation and supporting cultural diversity;
3. A demonstrable and significant economic impact from the programme;
4. Credibility in their plans (including support from key partners) and track record in delivery; and
5. A clear approach to maximising legacy and being able to evaluate impact.
andyh, Rayleigh says...
6:43pm Fri 16 Oct 09
1) some possibility, the Cliffs Pavillion and the Palace Theatre both showcase the performing arts. Visual arts are somewhat less well provided for.
2) sounds good - but everyone will claim this.
3) That is trickier - there is no funding associated with the title ... I could easily see a significant negative economic impact.
4) That is the real "gotcha" - Southend is somewhat lacking in track record of delivery of grand projects.
5) ???
southendreb, southend says...
7:14pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Ossiett wrote:if you were at the village green then you would have noticed that the excitement was aroundbilly bragg and the blockheads both steeped in ESSEX CULTURE pal. And y the film at the endwhere people could join in
What a brilliant proposal! There will be plenty of people and businesses, internationally/nati onally and regionally, who will now be looking at the town. As a marketing tool for the town brilliant. More people will visit, more businesses will consider moving into the town and we may even attract a confirmed Olympic training camp off the back of this, even if we don't win this competition. If we had not entered all those complaining above would have said, in early 2010, why didn't Southend enter it, so you will never please professional Southend knockers, every town has them, some who obviously have political points to win, because they can't win it at the ballot box. For those that say Southend has no culture, I have been immersed in it all year, fantastic at Village Green, excellent Film Festival, excellent theatre offer just to start, and for what is ramping up through East 15 at the University, loads from Metal and TAP then great, keep it coming. I for one have a lot of faith in the direction this town is going, and I know the youth of Southend do too, and as they will be running it one day more power to their elbow, I say.
And just how many people wentthe film festival
BASILBRUSH, Westcliff-on-sea says...
10:28pm Fri 16 Oct 09
Instead of capital of Culture, we should take on the Edinborough Festival!
I wonder if the council actually expected any other response when the story was published?
Ossiett, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
10:35pm Fri 16 Oct 09
I am watching the story play out on the TV news right now. This has been one fantastic free marketing tool for the whole town.
Southend has made great positive strides recently in culture, with loads more on the agenda. Its about time people start to believe that, get behind it and support the town.
Unless you are supporting another town; ummmh I must get on the forums of the other local papers for the other places on the list and tell there readership too they don't stand a chance just to balance things up of course.
southendreb, southend says...
12:22am Sat 17 Oct 09
Ossiett wrote:i am fed up with people like you keep saying about not loving southend because i like many people are truly passionate about about this town and yes i have promoted the true culture of this town. I was in liverpool 2 months ago and the reason for there success is they are proud to be scousers. and i fed up with with people with no knowledge of this town saying we must lose our sarfender image . trouble is you dont remember a very very succesfull southend
Of course to become a Cultural centre you just wave a magic wand, I don't think so, pal. Everything has to start somewhere, and of course it suits some to keep playing Southend down. I am watching the story play out on the TV news right now. This has been one fantastic free marketing tool for the whole town. Southend has made great positive strides recently in culture, with loads more on the agenda. Its about time people start to believe that, get behind it and support the town. Unless you are supporting another town; ummmh I must get on the forums of the other local papers for the other places on the list and tell there readership too they don't stand a chance just to balance things up of course.
it was a lovely place to live
.
enigma1507, Southend says...
1:24am Sat 17 Oct 09
LewisP, Leigh-on-Sea says...
1:58am Sat 17 Oct 09
southendreb, southend says...
6:33am Sat 17 Oct 09
enigma1507 wrote:yes it has
Lets get some perspective here. Southend actually has a thriving amateur arts community made up of over 50 assorted craft, visual arts, drama, music and written word groups all organising events and promoting their membership within the Borough, these groups are populated by citizens living in and around the Borough. Southend often gets bad press about its pier and seafront violence but lets not forget the recent great Village Green event organised by guess who Metal and the refurbishment of Chalkwell Hall by guess who Metal (seeing a Pattern here). The new university puts us on a par with CITIES like Brighton and Hove. Before you denegrate the town remember how hard the citizens work at making it a culture centre of excellence. We have two main theatres. I think I've said enough as I'm starting to get annoyed now.
come enigma get real we dont degenarate the town it the like of metal and the uni and renaaissance that degenerate who want to take over the town it not enough to be part of this town but they want to wipe out
oour heritage our character our culture
the point we should all work together . You would be well to listen to the man who put the bid in for liverpool ,culture is about the people. Its lovely to see the an art culture but it wont bring in the masses
please open your eyes and see what is happened
southendreb, southend says...
6:33am Sat 17 Oct 09
enigma1507 wrote:yes it has
Lets get some perspective here. Southend actually has a thriving amateur arts community made up of over 50 assorted craft, visual arts, drama, music and written word groups all organising events and promoting their membership within the Borough, these groups are populated by citizens living in and around the Borough. Southend often gets bad press about its pier and seafront violence but lets not forget the recent great Village Green event organised by guess who Metal and the refurbishment of Chalkwell Hall by guess who Metal (seeing a Pattern here). The new university puts us on a par with CITIES like Brighton and Hove. Before you denegrate the town remember how hard the citizens work at making it a culture centre of excellence. We have two main theatres. I think I've said enough as I'm starting to get annoyed now.
come enigma get real we dont degenarate the town it the like of metal and the uni and renaaissance that degenerate who want to take over the town it not enough to be part of this town but they want to wipe out
oour heritage our character our culture
the point we should all work together . You would be well to listen to the man who put the bid in for liverpool ,culture is about the people. Its lovely to see the an art culture but it wont bring in the masses
please open your eyes and see what is happened
evilc, essex says...
8:42am Sat 17 Oct 09
fletch12107, southchurch says...
8:56am Sat 17 Oct 09
LewisP, Leigh-on-Sea says...
11:27am Sat 17 Oct 09
'
Fletch so you hate to see what Southend has become and you want to make it nice again do you? I'd agree it was OK in the 1950s albeit a bit dirty but most of the problems now are down to the scum who have moved in, most of them encouraged to do so by Southend Council advertising for immigrants to move down from Islington. So what are you going to do? Throw them all out? Sounds like a good idea except uou can't do that. Southend is stuck with the scum whether you like it or not so it's going to stay a pile of cr*p that no-one wants to go to. Chelmsford is much nicer, because Chelmsford Council wasn't stupid enough to encourage loads of scummy immigrants to move in just to gain a few sheckels. I wouldn't go to Southend now if I was paid, horrible cr*ppy place.
Nebs, Westcliff-on-Sea says...
12:04pm Sat 17 Oct 09
For social regeneration we could get the New Empire Theatre up and running again, which supports the community by being available to a wide and varied group of local dancers, singers and actors. A new open air theatre built on the pier, with an art gallery that puts on various events.
I appreciate that we fall down on the "track record", but if you ignore Renaissance and just concentrate on the others (Metal etc) then we can still get some Brownie points in this category.
Evaluating the legacy is easy. Just pluck some figures out of the air for jobs created and money invested, add a Zero to the end of each figure, link them to everything you've said before, and add some nice artists impressions (maybe we DO need Renaissance).
.
This is winnable.
southendreb, southend says...
1:44pm Sat 17 Oct 09
tesco in the kursaal should get a few point to
LewisP, Leigh-on-Sea says...
2:48am Sun 18 Oct 09
BlueBoySS1, Southend says...
11:53am Sun 18 Oct 09
guygrim, LEIGH-ON-SEA says...
1:41pm Sun 18 Oct 09
Turning York Road market into a extension of the car park or a block of flats isn't going to help.
Chris storey, Liverpool says...
2:52pm Sun 18 Oct 09
9:25am Fri 16 Oct 09
My first thoughts were the same as previous posts, but half way through typing a facetious post slagging off the council I saw the light - if Liverpool can win it then we must be certainties.
It brings in fortunes to the local economy; to hotels, tourism, theatres, shops. There will be people flying in from all over Europe to spend their hard-earned in our little corner of the country.
Nebs is obviously one of those southerners who has never been above Watford.
Liverpool is a beautiful city, look at the waterfront from the ferry and i defy you to say you are not impressed, there are more listed buildings here than any city except London, we have beautiful parks galore , art galleries ,museums ,real pubs , 800 years of history and real people who are passionate about their city.
As i live in Liverpool and often visit Southend i was considering moving there but if its as bad as some of the posts say it is im having second thoughts.
Liverpool won it on its merits, and if you think Southend will win on the same merits you are seriously deluded and i think Basildon town centre would get it
first, now thats a real insult..
And finally i wish Southend well and good luck in their bid.
upon-park
chrismi, Basildon says...
10:31pm Mon 19 Oct 09
chrismi, Basildon says...
10:32pm Mon 19 Oct 09
Biffo-bear, Rayleigh says...
2:41am Fri 23 Oct 09
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Soozie, Southend on sea says...
8:15am Fri 16 Oct 09
Renaissance Southend are backing the council’s bid
And how much is that going to cost?
I am falling off my seat laughing.
Anyways, I thought Southend was a town, not a city!!