London’s dynamic cultural scene keeps capital as top world city
Today Ken Livingstone will launch his culture manifesto "'...as much of life as the world can show' - Culture in 21st Century London."
The launch takes place at ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts). Joining the Mayor at the ICA are figures from the cultural sector including Kwame Kwei-Armah and actress Shobna Gulati.
Ken Livingstone said:
"At the beginning of the 21st Century London is probably the most culturally exciting place on earth - thanks to the vast depth of the city's cultural heritage and its international, diverse and outward facing character.
"Not only does the city have a 2000-year history reflected in its world class institutions -- museums, art collections, orchestras, opera houses and theatres. It is also the most international city in the contemporary world placing it at the cutting edge of every new cultural development wherever it emerges.
"London's current cultural success is not down to my administration, but I do strongly believe my policies nurtured an environment in which this success has flourished. This has involved propelling forward the open, multicultural and diverse character of the city, within which ideas and creativity can develop.
"It also means investing in culture and the cultural infrastructure, ensuring the spaces exist where culture and creativity can take place, and spreading these facilities across the city to all our citizens. I believe a strong and dynamic culture is vital to the quality of life of all Londoners and the future economic success of the city'.
Over the past 8 years London has overtaken New York, and Paris to become the most visited city by international tourists. This is largely because of the vibrance, dynamism and unparalleled diversity of culture in the capital.
As well as supporting and investing in the existing major and community institutions and festivals in the capital Ken has directly intervened and established new institutions, events and created spaces for cultural activity.
The manifesto stresses his commitment to maintain support to the cultural sector along with new initiatives.
Among the pledges in this manifesto are:
* Contributing towards a new international film centre on the Southbank to replace and modernise the existing BFI Southbank.
* Capital funding for key new arts centres
* Protecting Live Music Venues by giving legal force to the protection of Live Music venues by incorporating into the London Plan.
* Working with the music industry and venues across the capital to establish a music "expo" - London's very own SXSW (South by Southwest)
* Expanding the current programme of free festivals to celebrate more London communities.
* To work with contemporary arts organisations to organise a major contemporary art event.
* Working with the cultural sector to "green" the industries of film, theatre and music to both heritage and events.
* To support a bid for the Gay Games.