Don’t ‘barge’ this venue out of way

AS ONE door closes another opens. Unfortunately, the closing door is that of Space 109, while the opening door appears to be that of the Arts Barge.

One is a thriving community arts centre used by many diverse local groups from yoga to stitching; the other a vanity project which satisfies no local need other than that of Coun Sonja Crisp’s ambition to waste more of the city’s budget following the disastrous light show in Museum Gardens.

A one-off Arts Barge for a limited time in the summer is one thing; a year-round Arts Barge paid from city funds another thing altogether. The river floods, barges need maintenance. In any event, which is more important; a facility which has proved its local worth or another that will be used by the same people who are already well provided for by the theatres, City Screen and the Barbican?

Nick Derbyshire, South Esplanade, York.

Comments(4)

Buzz Light-year says...
1:14pm Fri 1 Mar 13

the other a vanity project which satisfies no local need other than that of Coun Sonja Crisp’s ambition to waste more of the city’s budget following the disastrous light show in Museum Gardens.

What?
So the barge was Coun Crisp's idea was it?
Vanity project? Just for the councillor?
Have some respect for dozens of people who have worked to get the project going.
Pray tell, how do you know that the barge won't be a "a thriving community arts centre used by many diverse local groups from yoga to stitching;" ?
What have the theatres, Barbican and City Screen to do with anything?

This letter is nothing more than a pathetic attack on Coun Crisp, the author displays a clear lack of knowledge on the subject he is using to attack her.

Older Sometimes Wiser says...
3:31pm Fri 1 Mar 13

Buzz Light-year wrote:
the other a vanity project which satisfies no local need other than that of Coun Sonja Crisp’s ambition to waste more of the city’s budget following the disastrous light show in Museum Gardens.

What?
So the barge was Coun Crisp's idea was it?
Vanity project? Just for the councillor?
Have some respect for dozens of people who have worked to get the project going.
Pray tell, how do you know that the barge won't be a "a thriving community arts centre used by many diverse local groups from yoga to stitching;" ?
What have the theatres, Barbican and City Screen to do with anything?

This letter is nothing more than a pathetic attack on Coun Crisp, the author displays a clear lack of knowledge on the subject he is using to attack her.
Hopefully this is intended as a sarcastic comment, but the loss of a thriving social and arts initiative adjacent to an area and local population which can really benefit is very sad. This shows just how out of touch some Councillors are.
Can anyone really believe that an Arts Barge with limited access , facilities or space, located some way from the tourist centre of York, parking or public transport is a priority in these difficult times?

Jam tomorrow says...
4:24pm Fri 1 Mar 13

I have to say that an Arts Barge project may be a great idea. It may go nowhere but on the other hand it could lead to a large annual 'Arts Festival' similar to other cities' events. My view has been changed by the 'Show me the Monet' program on TV. So much talent looking for their 15 minutes. I'm not artistic myself but I do enjoy soaking up the ideas and enthusiasm of artists.
Good luck to all concerned.

Mulgrave says...
5:03pm Fri 1 Mar 13

I hear that they are after a bar licence till the early hours 7 days a week. Absinthe anyone?

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