Culture Secretary to discuss legacy of Liverpool 2008

Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport, Andy Burnham, will give a lecture at the University of Liverpool on the city’s future following its status as European Capital of Culture 2008.

He will also be joined by Deputy Chair of the Culture Company, Phil Redmond; Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Alan Davey; University of Liverpool Pro-Vice-Chancellor and author of Liverpool 800, Professor John Belchem and Director of Impacts 08 research project, Dr Beatriz Garcia.

Experts will debate the effects of Capital of Culture on the city and its people, and will also discuss some of the issues raised by the Impacts 08 research project.  Impacts 08 is a joint initiative between the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University which aims to evaluate the social, cultural, economic and environmental effects of the city’s status as European Capital of Culture.

The research team found that 24% of all visitors to Merseyside in the period January to April 2008 were new to Liverpool and three quarters claimed to have been influenced by the city’s status as European Capital of Culture when deciding to visit. They also found that events with a high additional economic impact on the city included the Tall Ships event with an impact of £8.2 million and the Liverpool Sound Paul McCartney concert with an impact of £5 million.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Howard Newby said: “The University has played a major role in the city’s cultural programme throughout 2008 and we will continue to support the city in its development.  Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture generated great energy and excitement in and around the city and we hope this will be sustained as we look forward to 2009.  We are delighted to welcome Andy Burnham to the University and hear his views on Liverpool’s culture and future progress.”

The lecture will take place at the University’s Sherrington Building, Ashton Street on Wednesday, 7 January at 5.30pm.  Members of the media are invited to attend the event. Please contact Samantha Martin on the number below if you plan to attend.

Notes to editors:

1.  The University of Liverpool is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive institutions in the UK. It attracts collaborative and contract research commissions from a wide range of national and international organisations valued at more than £93 million annually.

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