Lauren Laverne - presenter BBC Culture Show
The front of my newspaper makes for bleak reading: an economy in turmoil, a looming recession and job losses. Yet, there has been one part of my local economy that has been a resounding success and one I am proud to be associated with - that is the economy of culture. My company, Bodyproject Ltd, undertook a contract with the Liverpool Culture Company. It came at a time when the lead up to the year as European Capital of Culture was creating turmoil for Liverpool City Council with political in-fighting, senior-level resignations and sniping from all the usual suspects.
It is therefore wonderful to report on the success enjoyed by Liverpool as European Capital of Culture. A success that is not just about culture but that has real economic benefits. The figures are worth noting:
10 million visits to date.
Tourism about to break through the £1 billion mark.
Tate Liverpool 200% visitor rise on 2007.
Albert Dock up 48% breaking a 1 million mark for the first time ever.
2.5 million visitors at the main visual art attractions.
A further 2.5 million visitors for the outdoor events such as the Tall Ships Race, Matthew Street Festival and La Machine.
TV audiences in excess of 40 million for the MTV Europe Music Awards and BBc Sports Personality of the Year.
2 million visitors at the NAtional Museums Liverpool surpassing all figures from 2007. Some museums up by 70%.
More people have travelled on Mersey Ferries, visited the two cathedrals than ever before.
1/2 million people throuigh Liverpool theatres - best ever figures.
516,000 hotel room nights sold - 25% more than 2007 worth £35 million.
60 world and european premieres. 200 community evnets involving 500,000 people.
As Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, said: "It's turning out to be one of the most successful Capital of Culture programmes that we have ever had."
Quite, actions (and facts) speak louder than words. Well done Liverpool and long may it continue.
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