The Gloucester Arts Council

The other more pressing matter that arose while I was away was that of the Gloucester Arts scene. For several years Gloucester has been a city in crisis. Extended poverty in the urban areas and the gradual erosion of core arts groups combined with a general apathy from the City Council have finally led to a rallying of the troupes. A meeting was called for all interested parties to discuss the situation and suggest proposals for the raising of a Gloucester Arts Council.

The primary aim of the meeting was to bring together artists, directors, writers and venue managers and discover how things can be improved. The brainchild of local businessman Phil McCormack, this first meeting immediately established that pretty much every arts group - amateur and professional - had the same gripe, namely a lack of effective marketing facilities and a decent skills and resources data base.

In the arts, communication is power and this meeting exposed that a flaccid local council has fobbed the arts community off for long enough. Personally, I believe that moving forward, the rise of the Gloucester Arts Council is a tremendous idea. A genuine network of groups, organisations and individuals creating a valuable resource, offering support and advice which will enrich the community. It will not be easy, of that I am sure but it's early days and Phil McCormack's genuine interest and affection for the arts scene in his city is fairly infectious.