Matt Johnson: Time to build on 2008's self confidence

Sep 24 2008 by Matt Johnson

SOME may whinge about the acoustics, but St George's Hall will always be one of Liverpool's most impressive and imposing venues for anything "big".

Last Friday lunchtime, it was certainly something big as the latest Liverpool Biennial International Festival of Contemporary Art was launched in the hallowed hall.

In its unique historic context alone, the hall has witnessed some of the most important moments in Liverpool's history.

Those who dreamt up St George's Hall in the first place were certainly thinking big.

We have a lot to thank them for – as we have for those events and attractions that have put Liverpool on the map.

And, in this European Capital of Culture year, St George’s has been in the thick of the action.

From Ringo on the roof to Doddy in the small Concert Room, or the majesty of a Viennese Ball or the passing by outside of a giant spider, St George's Hall has played a big part in our big year.

This Biennial may not include exhibits or installations in the hall, but on Friday, as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport addressed guests, it hardly mattered.

With three-quarters of Liverpool's year in the spotlight now over, there's a distinct sense of relief evident at gatherings like Friday's. Together, the city and its major cultural institutions and partners have delivered a memorable year of world-class events and attractions.

That's why there is relief. Liverpool has delivered.

And for the next few weeks, until November 30, it's the Biennial which is delivering the buzz of extra visitors, busy venues, even busier hotels and a palpable spring in the collective step of the community.

OK, some of it is head- scratching stuff.

But it's also thought-provoking, inspirational, exciting, enjoyable and free.

And, perhaps best of all, it’s taking place in Liverpool. Just like the Turner Prize, the breathtaking Klimt exhibition; Turning the Place Over; Go SuperLambBananas and a spider or two.

Nowhere has offered anything like it this year and, in terms of shifting old, mistaken perceptions of this city, it has been a textbook example of good practice.

Now is the time to build on the new self-confidence we have seen generated in 2008.