This will be a brief post, I'm intrigued by reports of The Turner Contemporary launch meeting.
As you might expect, with the TC project so firmly rooted in Margate's heart, the "Launch Meeting" was held just around the corner from Margate's artistic and bohemian centre, in Westminster, a mere two hour drive away (start as you mean to go on).
"VIP's" including Roger Gale, Laura Sandys, token Margate representative Tracy Emin, and I guess a rag bag of Arts council wallahs, devotees, perhaps even the odd non-dom tax avoiding patron of the arts.
According to Peter Burnett of Thanet Extra report on the House of Commons bash, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey spoke at the meeting expressing high hopes and "believes Margate's Turner Contemporary could become a world-renowned gallery" recalling happy memories of childhood visits to er ....Ramsgate!
I'm actually in favour of Turner Contemporary, but just wonder at the manner of its delivery, I'm sure it will succeed and look forward to its opening, but continue to be amused by the disconnect between local grass roots and its delivery from on high. If nothing else we should be grateful, this project is a great model of the British way of doing stuff.
Holding an event at Westminster makes perfect sense. It seems to me a rather sensible, obvious idea to ensure that TC is promoted to those in positions of power. Why begrudge lobbying in favour of TC and Margate? It's exactly what aught to be happening.
ReplyDeleteAs it is, I understand that a number of those representing TC at this event were local residents who have themselves benefited from involvement with TC projects.
It's not a question of begrudging anything Jon, an observation or comment.
ReplyDeleteI accept the reality that projects such as TC are beyond the capability of us locals alone however I have at times been surprised by what use to be know as the "establishment" and how they do things.
It's worth remembering how the top down approach resulted in failure of the mark one contemporary, had the average resident of Margate been consulted on the original ocean going version we would have been reaping the benefits of the Gallery years ago.
Don't confuse commentary with begrudging, still one thing I'd say local people wil have paid taxes and bought lottery tickets to fund this so let's hope they feel a sense of ownership
According to Peter Burnett of Thanet Extra report on the House of Commons bash, Culture Minister Ed Vaizey spoke at the meeting expressing high hopes and "believes Margate's Turner Contemporary could become a world-renowned gallery" recalling happy memories of childhood visits to er ....Ramsgate!
ReplyDeleteDon't get your point. He came to the Isle of Thanet so at least he's got some idea of where it is. Or is this the the usual "Margate as victim" that we're all becoming rather bored with?
1105 There is no point , suggest you read my earlier comment, bit like life and art, still I'm sure we can have a circular argument but .....
ReplyDeletePretty well sums up this blog then
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that Margate is made up of two very different groups of people who have very little to do with each other. A good example are the two main Margate blogs: this one, & Margate Architecture. Both are very lively & receive lots of comments, but they appear to be two completely different groups of people (do Tony & Ms MA even read each other's blogs?).
ReplyDeleteThe problem is that Margate suffers from a mega inferiority complex and if anyone dares to mention Ramsgate then sparks fly. And as for mentioning Broadstairs.....
ReplyDeleteThat is so true about the original design though. If locals had been consulted, they would all have said it was a dopey idea to put it in the sea.
ReplyDeleteMind you, they would probably have said they didn't want it at all. The question is do the locals know what's good for them?