What is happening down at Millennium House?
It's only Wednesday and the Culture Company has seen two resignations so far this week.
That's almost one per day.
Yesterday it was Councillor Joe Anderson.
This time it's events manager Lee Forde.
He's been with the council for seven years, latterly seconded to the Culture Co, but everyone down there was remaining tight-lipped this morning about why he was moving on.
"It's his own business" I was told.
Forde himself told the Echo he had completed his remit to set up an events team, events was a young person's job and he wants to 'spend more time with my family'.
He said it was nothing to do with any concerns about how the whole Capital of Culture plans are being prepared.
Still, it's very unfortunate timing - and whichever way you look at it, it's a telling departure which frankly doesn't bode well for 2008.
Whatever his reasons, with six months to go the Culture Company is now going to have to find a new events manager, surely one of the most pivotal roles in the whole organisation?
There are still two days to go this week, so my advice to Harborow and Co would be - lock the doors!
Fred Brown wrote...
It seems that the resignations ar quite different in intent. Joe Anderson appears to have resigned for deeply felt if belatedly expressed) moral reasons (although many a year of strapping on the corporate nosebag can obscure the vision somewhat. Corporate and individual vision included.
The Emporers New Clothes have been (in)visable to anyone who has been around this City for any length of time. And in keeping with the fairytale theme, is it any surprise that anyone from the Culture Company moving anywhere out of the City Centre wine bars turns into a pumkin and/or a white mouse. We all live here Liverpool Culture Vultures.
But I digress.
Lee Forde's resignation seems entirely reasonable, and honourable. If he says he has set up a competent and enthusiastic events team-and I believe he means a team,then there shouldn't be any need for an events director. If we want this initiative to continue after '08, then it's good to know there is a team available. I would prefer it to be local, and locally accountable individuals, and if not, for the skill of that team to be lefy in the City, should the experts decide to de-camp to the next 'Big Thing' - (history might suggest a distinct possibility.
Joe Anderson's recent suggestion is the closest thisng I've seen to a celebration of this City's Culture- the last example being 'Lends, £20 mil' There you're talking a proper example of this City's Culture over the past 30 years. But I'm starting to rant.
The Capitol of Culture award was earned using the reputation of the people of this City. Stop shutting them out Culture Company, or be prepared for what I believe is called the 'bum's rush, back up the M62 (yes, I was also here for the Garden Festival-but don't get me started)
Fred Brown - Everton (but a South Ender really)
Posted by: Fred Brown | June 19, 2007 2:14 PM