Does our city deserve its cultural title?

Lancaster's Literature Festival begins this weekend, the Dukes' new play has just opened and the university's internationally acclaimed concert series starts its new programme next week - but with the closure of the city's only mainstream cinema and the threat to the Music Co-op, there are some who are questioning Lancaster's right to now describe itself as Lancashire's cultural capital. In this special feature Lancaster University student WILL SWANSON and journalism student TRACEY HARGREAVES take a personal look at the issues and speak to some of the city's key players in the arts scene about their view of 'cultural Lancaster'  

THE citizens of Lancaster are rightly proud to consider their city as the cultural capital of Lancashire.

But when the city's one and only mainstream cinema shuts down and there are serious doubts about whether there's to be a replacement perhaps it's a good time to find out whether this illustrious title is actually deserved.

The Lancaster Guardian spoke to a number of those involved in promoting and funding the city's cultural activities, and put to them, among other things, the specific issue of future cinematic entertainment in the city

All expressed regret about the ABC's passing.

Andy Darby, Litfest's artistic director, said: "It will be a dreadful shame if we lose a dedicated cinema. We're big enough to have our own and we should have a multi-screen."

Problem

Ron Baker, a co-ordinator, at Lancaster's Spotlight Club, believes it highlights a fundamental problem of attitude on the part of the city, claiming: "The record on big ideas in Lancaster is not good, is it? The cinema closing is a disaster. It's left a big hole."

David Blackwell, a sound engineer at the Musicians Co-op, probably speaks for many when he said quite succinctly: "Its crazy there isn't a cinema in the city."

The Music~ Co-op is itself the focus of some concern currently, with fears being raised that this outlet for local musical talent - it has around 50 bands passing through its rehearsal rooms and studio every week - could be lost as part of a large-scale redevelopment of the area around St Leonardgate. Especially following on so closely from the demise of the ABC, this was perceived as another threat to the city's cultural heritage. The council has since given a firm guarantee that should the CO-OP need to he moved out of its present location in the future, it will definitely be given a new home and there is a generally positive response to the work done by the local authority to support arts projects.

Mr Darby continued: "The city council has been very supportive and has understood the benefits of 'a good arts community."

However, Mr Baker did question the targeting of resources: "The general feeling is that the city council puts its energies into Morecambe, which is understandable But not a lot of effort is put into Lancaster. It has a strong base of artists, but no central focus.

The issue of the importance of promoting cultural activities in the city was put to the arts funding departments of both the city and county councils. The city council's Arts and Events officer Jon Harris said: "The council has been committed to the arts for a number of years, and this is clearly shown in the amount of investment - £"238,000 - that has been put in. Lancaster is the unofficial capital of Lancashire and that is a tribute to that'

Investment

Linda Prue,  of Lancashire  County Council, reaffirmed its commitment to arts projects in the city, claimed: "We are putting significant amounts of investment into the area, and this unlikely to change in the future.

"Four out of the seven of our revenue clients are based in the Lancaster area . LUDUS, The Dukes Theatre, Litfest and More Music In Morecambe.

"These clients are considered regionally significant, attracting a county-wide audience."

Coun  James Airey, Lancaster City Council cabinet member for regeneration is upbeat. He said: "Lancaster is widely recognised as a city of heritage and the Georgian and Maritime festivals are world renowned."

Lancaster is regarded as a good nightspot, and people come from all over the north west to sample its nightlife.

There are plenty of pubs and nightclubs to satisfy the thirsty and energetic, as well as a substantial number of music venues to showcase the city's musical talent.

Lancaster's bar culture is certainly evident in the growing number of people coming to Lancaster for a night out.

There is no shortage of restaurants in the city with every palette catered for as Lancaster embraces a more multi-cultural approach.

Most of the museums and galleries are either free or inexpensive and the Lake District is on the doorstep Due to the diversity of people coming into the city, either to study, work or visit there is no doubt that Lancaster will continue to thrive and continue to justify its 'cultural capital' tag.

For a relatively small city, Lancaster does appear to provide something for everyone if not, admittedly, a prominent cinema designed to promote big box office releases.

This is indeed an unfortunate development, but it does appear to be a one-off incident rather than an indication of a growing trend of decline.

Sadly, then, if you want to see the next blockbuster, you will have to go to Morecambe, Preston or Blackpool. But who knows? Even this current situation might be addressed in the future, albeit seemingly later rather than sooner