NORWICH CITY OF CULTURE?

Here is the copy of a letter I've just sent to Norwich Evening News. It speaks for itself...

Dear Letters Editor

Probably because of the Norwich City Of Culture bid, nothing has been reported in the Evening News of the sudden closure of the Art Factory, the Old Bally Shoe Factory, Hall Road, Norwich.

While Tuckswood can still testify to the workers made redundant at the shoe factory, artists in all media, have used this amazing building for the last seven years, thanks to property developers and art sponsors Targetfollow.

Without this facility the huge city events, such as the Mayor's Carnival, could not have taken place. Norwich's 'Go Elephants' were assembled and many painted at the factory. Indeed, over the years, so many artists, organisations and institutions have used this unofficial city arts centre - City College Norwich, Norwich Art School and The Fringe Festival among them. The highly regarded Norwich 20 group of artists has staged regular exhibitions at the factory too.

Every art form, from painting and performance to film and sculpture, have been part of this brilliant building.

Without it, or a facility like it, I wonder how Norwich dare bid for 'City Of Culture' status? Norwich is a very attractive medieval town but nostalgia isn't art.

Presently, Norwich is a city of closure - not culture.