art for artistic's sake

By Catherine Jones on Jan 15, 07 10:03 AM

It's not often I hear myself saying this, but two weeks into 2007 and the culture chiefs down at Millennium House have made a sensible decision.
They have decided not to appoint a new Robyn Archer.
For now at least.....

I understand it was on the behest of the Arts Council and the government (never knowingly understaffed) that they had to look for a new artistic director to replace la Archer.
It was a short, sharp shock for the people down at culture central when the Aussie one was jettisoned in July.
Since then things have - generally - gone a whole lot more smoothly, so it was a pleasant surprise to find out they had chosen NOT to have another eye-wateringly expensive artistic supremo.
I also understand the headhunters who had searched high and low for someone of the right calibre had not found any candidates which tickled the city's fancy.
At least, not candidates who could start immediately.
Instead, the girl power team of Fiona Gasper and Claire McColgan will continue at the artistic helm while the city has a good rummage through the programme so far and decides if there is anything lacking.
At that point they will bring in specialists who can give support and advice on any particular aspect which isn't up to speed.
Let's hope if that is the case they can find these 'experts' without having to go through yet another long, costly headhunting exercise.......