MOVING ON OR STANDING STILL

“Bucket Heid.”
Promoting the doric tongue worldwide.

6 months since the Local Authority elections and no signs progress in the cultural sector in Aberdeen.

AB+ a fledgling lobby group for the cultural sector seems to have parked itself up an organisational cul-de-sac.  ACC have advertised for a City of Culture Bid Manager, even before the DCMS have announced that there will be a UK City of Culture in 2017 (which assumes there will be a UK in 2017). There is little in the public domain about what happens after City Garden Project and related issues (Art Gallery redevelopment, City Centre realm).  Funding for the arts continues to diminish and consequently activity and achievement decline.

Next election due are for Community Councils in Queens X-Harlaw and Torry on 25 October (all others are uncontested).

Otherwise it’s the European Parliament in June 2014.

The Hustings’ over …

Cultural Hustings April 2012
L to R: Suzanne Kelly (ind), Dan McCroskrie (Con), Jennifer Stewart (Lib Dem), Matt Wickham (Green), Barney Crockett (Lab), Jim Kiddie (SNP) with Stewart Aitken chairing the discussion

A good attendance by the public and a full turnout from the panel led to a good discussion on cultural issues.  Topics included:

Aberdeen’s culture – what makes it unique and vibrant

Availability and accessibility of arts education

Our readiness to apply for City of Culture 2017

What the Council can do to encourage funding from other sources, business etc

The effect of the City Garden project on cultural life

Thanks to all who took part, and the chair, and to those who attended and especially those who joined in the discussion.

ELECTION DAY IS THURSDAY 3RD MAY 2012

The confirmed panel ….

CULTURAL HUSTINGS Monday 24th April at 7.30pm.

Kilau Coffee, 9a Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

Sorry no level access, significant steps, no lift

The panel will be chaired by Stewart Aitken and is made up of the following representatives:

Scottish Green Party – Matt Wickham

Scottish Liberal Democrats – Jennifer Stewart

Independent – Suzanne Kelly

Scottish National Party – Jim Kiddie

Scottish Labour – Barney Crockett

Scottish Conservative and Unionist  - Dan McCroskrie

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS OR TOPICS VIA THE CONTACT PAGE or you can reach me on Twitter @MartinLMilne

THERE WILL BE CHANCE TO SUBMIT TOPICS AT THE START OF THE EVENT BEFORE THE HUSTINGS BEGIN

Aberdeen Maritime Museum - in line for £1/2million renovations with funding from the oil and gas industry.

And the representatives are…

CULTURAL HUSTINGS Monday 24th April at 7.30pm.

Kilau Coffee, 9a Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

Sorry no level access, significant steps, no lift

The panel will be chaired by Stewart Aitken and is made up of the following representatives:

Scottish Green Party – Matt Wickham

Scottish Lib Dem – Jennifer Stewart

Independent – Suzanne Kelly

Scottish National Party – Jim Kiddie

Scottish Labour – Barney Crockett

Scottish Conservative and Unionist  - tba

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS OR TOPICS VIA THE CONTACT PAGE or you can reach me on Twitter @MartinLMilne

PVA contemporary artspace

PVA still looking for a new home

Raise the bar, have a say

CULTURAL HUSTINGS Monday 24th April at 7.30pm.

Kilau Coffee, 9a Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen

This is an opportunity to put culture on the agenda of the candidates for the forthcoming elections.  Culture in the widest sense, and related issues.

Arts in the community – The tourism and culture offer – Digital and broadcast media – Arts education in schools – National companies in the City – Training and retaining talent – Arena concerts and music festivals – Participation and rehearsal facilities – Opening hours, access, transport, parking – City heritage  museum – Resident professional performers – Contemporary exhibition space – Supporting cultural and creative businesses – Outdoor and openspace events – Local culture and heritage – Social cohesion through the arts – Music and arts tuition  - Funding from public and private sources – Poetry and creative writing development – Encouraging audiences – Opportunities for young people and amateurs

Please submit topics for discussion by using the CONTACT page.  You can remain anonymous if you wish, just say so.

Casino-Cinema-Clubnights all going one-way

Street Art Aberdeen

Street Realm artworks on Union Bridge.
Iconic symbol from Aberdeen's coat of arms, these cast-iron leopards are at the heart of the City, passed by thousands of people every day, ignored by most but nevertheless a significant presence - part of the culture. 

Stewart Aitken chairs…

Stewart Aitken, Director and CEO of Aberdeen International Youth Festival will chair the Cultural Hustings on Monday 23rd April 2012 at Kilau Coffee, Little Belmont Street from 7.30-9.00pm.

The parties have been invited to nominate their representatives for the Hustings but are bit slow to confirm. However, it would be great if you could submit any questions or topics for discussion you may have in advance using the contact page. You can remain anonymous to the panel, if you wish, just say so.

You will be able to submit issues on the night and there will be the opportunity for discussion from the floor.

Follow me on twitter for quick updates @MartinLMilne