Arts Forum for Archway (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Arts Forum for Archway

October 16, 2006 12:00 AM

Dear Editor

Walter Roberts' letter that reviving the local legend of Dick Whittington could help regenerate the Archway, struck a chord with me and perhaps other readers.

The celebration of art, culture and history has the potential to regenerate any area -and in Archway we have physical evidence of the Dick Whittington story in the shape of the monument. I worked hard to get the Archway cat cleaned up, and while a small thing was something that I know was important to everyone who loves the history of this area the way I do.

Archway has always had a very strong arts community. The Byam Shaw School of Arts - and many artists - are based here. I would love to see them involved in the regeneration of Archway, for example through community art projects and public art.

So Lib Dems are setting up an Archway Art forum to get local artists and art groups involved in creating an arts strategy for Archway, to regenerate Archway and support its regeneration through art. I for one would love to see this producing art work that celebrated local history and especially the local legend of Dick Whittington.

I would welcome Mr Roberts - and representatives from local community groups - to help take the Archway art forum forward with their ideas and suggestions. The next meeting of the Archway Public Art Advisory Group will be held from 2.30 to 5.30pm on Thursday 26 October 2006 at the Byam Shaw School of Art, Elthorne Road, N19. Alister Warman, the Principal of Byam Shaw has been invited to chair this meeting.

Yours sincerely

Councillor Stefan Kasprzyk

Junction Ward