[Acrylic-bob]

It is easy to criticise. Moreso when you know that tomorrow you will not have to go into work carrying with you the burden of that criticism. But the true art of criticism, and there is an art to it, lies in not only pointing out what is wrong, but also in suggesting a means by which the failing might be corrected. This is commonly referred to as 'constructive' criticism, for the simple reason that it's main aim is not solely to destroy but to restore to right order.

We have given freely of our opinion of the worth and value of the three community arts projects that Gayle has brought into the borough. If I were in Gayle's shoes I rather fancy that I would now be wondering which way to turn next.

As Gayle pointed out earlier in the thread, Hyndburn is a bit behind the rest of the country in seeking and securing funding from the National Lottery. If we do not like the projects that have been chosen for us then surely it is incumbent on us now to offer some constructive suggestions regarding what might be acceptable.

I'll start the ball rolling shall I?.

If you want to attract people into the town, it srikes me that you have to provide something that would make them really want to get in the car or get on a bus to come and see. And the only thing that get's Mr & Mrs Joe Bloggs and their bloglings off the sofa is spectacle. Strangely enough people really enjoy the sensation of having their socks blown off and this has been true of people throughout recorded history. The Egyptians knew this and so did the Romans, The renaissance princes made a political competition out of it and the church took to it like a duck to water. Louis xiv of France was a master at it and dear old Prince Albert had to drag us brits kicking and screaming into the Great Exhibition, but didn't we love it when we got there? Clearly in these straightened times HBC cannot afford to fund 'Spectacle', (it couldn't even when times were good but that is another argument) but the Lottery can!

Part of the criticism in this thread is due to the fact that a couple of idiots in fancy dress arsing about on broadway is actually more of an embarassment than a positive draw, A thousand idiots in fancy dress arsing about on Broadway on the other hand would make the national press. Similarly, a crocheted sculpture in the Market Hall is merely a bit of knotted wool, a teacosy to cover the Town Hall, by comparison... well, you get my drift?

Blackpool has for the last couple of years played host to an International Fireworks Competition, lasting a month. The crowds this event attracted had to be seen to be believed.
Haye-on -Wye decided to hold an annual literature festival, the book trade there is thriving all year round.

Accrington Town Hall is an underutilised gift to us from our Victorian forebears, as is the Market Hall and The Haworth. We have Parks and Playing fields aplenty and an enormous hill overlooking the town. We have a proud industrial past (which hardly anyone knows about) and quite a few living well known Accringtonians currently working in various fields within the Arts. It would be surprising to see what a few well aimed begging letters might achieve.

We have most of the physical requirements to put Accrington very firmly on the cultural map, We just need a bit of cash, a bit of vision and a bit of courage.


oh, and a lot of bare faced cheek!