The announcement that the English National Opera (ENO) will be collaborating with Greater Manchester to establish a new site for the opera company has received a response from the Leader of Liverpool City Council Liam Robinson and Mayor of Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram.
Councillor Liam Robinson commented, “We would like to congratulate Manchester. We’re pleased the ENO is coming to the North West and hopefully we can work together to ensure the new opera program benefits everyone across the North West.” He continued, “While we are disappointed with this outcome, we look forward to working with colleagues at the DCMS and Arts Council England on our ongoing plans to support Liverpool’s growth as the UK’s Music City and provide opportunities for all those in the city region to have greater access to the arts.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Steve Rotheram said, “Naturally, we’re disappointed not to have been chosen as we were able to satisfy every request by the ENO team and feel that we set out the strongest, most sustainable case that would allow the company to flourish as it enters its next chapter. While we respect their decision and wish the ENO team nothing but the best for the future, this result again highlights the impossible situation facing areas like ours. Just because there are no current opera companies and facilities, shouldn’t be an impediment.”
The mayor also argued for a change in approach to cultural investment. He stated, “It should signal growth potential to expand operatic performances within a cultural hub. Cities should not be pitted against each other to fight for much-needed arts investment. Instead, what we need now is for Arts Council England to deliver a proper funding strategy – especially for those towns and cities that already invest heavily in their cultural economy. It is long overdue that we receive recognition for the contributions we continue to give to the sector.”
Both Councillor Robinson and Mayor Rotheram have expressed their appreciation for the importance of the arts, and their commitment to securing growth and development in the cultural sector for the benefit of all those in the North West
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