Claire McColgan is set to expand her influence in the Liverpool City Region, leveraging her extensive cultural expertise to enhance the area’s creative landscape.
- The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council have agreed to share the Director of Culture role, marking a significant shift in regional cultural strategy.
- McColgan, a key figure in Liverpool’s cultural development for over two decades, is enthusiastic about the chances to integrate the region’s diverse cultural assets.
- The appointment aligns with the region’s broader aim to boost its cultural and visitor economy by fostering a thriving cultural scene.
- Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, endorses McColgan’s expanded role, reflecting on the significant economic impact of a robust cultural sector.
Claire McColgan has been entrusted with an expanded role as the Director of Culture across the Liverpool City Region. This appointment comes as part of a strategic agreement between the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council. The collaboration aims to unify cultural efforts across the region, maximising the impact of cultural and creative initiatives.
McColgan brings over 20 years of experience to this role, having been an influential figure in Liverpool’s cultural evolution. She recalls her initial involvement in the city’s cultural scene during the European Capital of Culture bid in 2001, marvelling at how much the city has grown since then. Cultural initiatives have been pivotal in Liverpool’s transformation into a leading European cultural destination.
Expressing her enthusiasm, McColgan highlights the vast potential that the region holds. By extending her remit to cover the entire region, she intends to leverage the area’s unique landscapes and cultural assets to create new stories and opportunities. Her leadership is expected to bolster the region’s cultural narrative and enhance its appeal to both local and international visitors.
The creation of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership, led by former BBC Director General Lord Tony Hall, has set the stage for McColgan’s expanded responsibilities. This new role is deemed crucial for achieving the region’s ambitions over the next five years, with a focus on invigorating the culture and visitor economy.
Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, underscores the importance of this appointment. He notes the significant economic benefits that a thriving cultural sector brings, citing past successes such as the European Capital of Culture year and Eurovision, which demonstrated culture’s ability to attract visitors and drive economic growth.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, is equally supportive of McColgan’s new role. He highlights her international standing and transformative impact on Liverpool’s cultural sector. With her expanded portfolio, McColgan is expected to unify the region’s cultural components and capitalise on new opportunities. Her leadership is seen as integral to solidifying Liverpool City Region’s status as a cultural powerhouse.
Claire McColgan’s expanded role marks a strategic stride towards a unified cultural landscape in the Liverpool City Region, enhancing its economic and cultural vitality.
