Liverpool hosts a special event today, ‘Liverpool Calling – And the Results Are In bringing together those involved in making Eurovision happen, and those who experienced and participated in it (the public), to take a look back on the city’s Eurovision journey, and examine what was achieved. The line-up of presenters and speakers are fittingly fabulous, and I’m thrilled to be joining one of the panels, to give my two pennies worth to the discussions. It’s going to be a great day, and the buzz we felt in the build-up to Eurovision in Liverpool this May, is being felt once again this week.
This morning, a BBC article popped up on my timeline, talking about the economic ‘shot in the arm’ Eurovision gave to the economy which is brilliant. I’m not sure if I would have used that headline for obvious reasons, but one thing that struck me instantly, was once again, we’re leading the story with the economic aspect of the success of Eurovision. It got me quite annoyed as I was reading the article… so instead of putting out a half-arsed tweet, I decided to sit down and write out something a bit more meaty ahead of me preparing to put on my glitter jacket for today’s gathering.
As a wise man once said (Martin Green, Managing Director of Eurovision 2023, and all-round major events tsar) ‘Events. Work.’. In fact, it’s what he said in response to the aforementioned BBC article this morning, and of course, he’s right. Let’s be honest here, everyone knows it, the evidence backs it up time and time again. It’s also the case that arts and culture has much greater impact than bringing money in, so it’s important we talk about that as well, but not always leading conversations with the economic impact as the headline, otherwise it only supports the idea that arts and culture is only valuable if it brings in bucket loads of cash… far from the truth. The economic element and boost is part of the story; and most arts-leaders will tell you that you’ll likely fail if it’s the primary objective set when trying to deliver such wonderful events and activities.
You should take a look at the full research and findings published today, and that we’ll be discussing at the conference. It looks at more than just the money - how many people participated in some way, how audiences felt, how organisations came together in ways we’ve probably not seen before, or at least for a very long time. There is much more to the story!
I love these moments though when you look back and celebrate what hundreds and hundreds of people gave their all to delivering - something so spectacular - and that hundreds of thousands of people the enjoyed, together [millions in the case of Eurovision]. I think adding to this story rightfully is how it came about, why we got the opportunity to host these celebrations, and of course what was delivered even with the huge challenges everyone faced with not a lot of money [honestly], hardly any time [fact] and the risks involved in taking this on (financial and reputation). The risks were huge, but the rewards greater, and this was obvious from the start.
However, after the curtain falls, you’re back to the stark reality that arts and culture isn’t as stable and valued as it feels in the moment when you’re delivering events like these. The morning-after, the worry sets back in, that in fact, the sector is so vulnerable, and particularly now in the wild economic climate with cuts happening all over the place. Arts budgets take a beating when the purse strings need to be tightened, forgetting the fact, its under-funded already. Those that work in the sector will tell you that with less funding, expectations do not get reset; in-fact funders (private and public funding providers) still retain the same expectation to reach more and more people, with less, We must stop allowing the axe to fall on budgets across arts and culture – its counterproductive.
So why are we in this place? It’s just my view of course, but for me it goes back to the idea that for some reason, some still think arts and culture provision is a nice to have. Let’s be clear, we have no tourism sector, visitor economy, hospitality sector etc. without arts and culture. Arts and culture, and products of the sector (i.e., events, exhibitions, concerts, festivals etc) are intrinsic, and vital. As Martin said ‘Events. Work’! therefore we must invest still in the arts when the big spotlight is pointed elsewhere. It’s how we contribute to these sectors year in year out, not just when the big event train rolls into town. It’s also how we create jobs and opportunities, connect communities, provide much-needed escape, bring joy, improve wellbeing as well as build capacity and have a strong creative infrastructure to do these big events when the opportunity arises, as well as in between.
The creative industries are wonderful (which arts is a major part of). This sector is what creates major events and experiences like Eurovision. It’s also the case that everyone accesses the creative industries, every single day, in some way. It [the sector] provides you with the accessibly designed signage to help you find your way to the train platform, your favourite podcast to indulge in as you make your way to work, it gives you the stunning costumes in a Downton Abbey, the memory-making bedtime stories you read to your children, the jaw-dropping shows in your theatres, the movies on the big screen and major festivals and celebrations… and much more. It’s also the case, and importantly, gives people ways to express themselves, understand who they are and why the world is the way it is, and their place in and amongst society. It provides escapism from the everyday mundane and stresses of life…. it provides and contributes to lot of what we just take for granted. If you believe the headlines, it’s only something for the few, and often positioned as not as valuable, and this is why for some reason, it’s still allowed to be treated as a second-class sector when it suits, and used a political football. The creative industries is one of the biggest contributors to the economy (fact) and it’s one of our biggest worldwide exports for the UK - we’re literally recognised around the world for our creative industries because we’re pretty boss at doing it like no one else.
So, whilst we’re all looking back, and reflecting, we need to remember that tomorrow we return to the frontline to fight again (as we did before big event train came in) to properly sustain the arts, help the sector grow, and don’t take it lying down when someone tells you it benefits the few or its just a nice to have.
Yes, we need new ways of working, better leadership with vision and entrepreneurial flair, and de-tangling arts and culture from the impacts of politics. I’m the first to say that the way things are done, need to be different, and can drastically improve, but we need alongside all of these changes that must happen, now, new commitments to funding arts and culture properly for the long-term, not the short. This investment, will deliver returns ten-fold, like today’s findings show, and maybe, just maybe we’ll get to enjoy many more moments of collective joy and celebration, more often, for more people.
A big well done to everyone involved in Eurovision in Liverpool. We did the country proud, and stuck to the promise of keeping Ukraine central to everything we delivered. This won’t be forgotten, but we also can’t dine out on it too long… so what’s next Liverpool?