Phil Redmond and Steve Burnett
Photo supplied by Trinity Mirror

Culture is the Spirit of Merseyside

Phil Redmond has helped launch a new campaign to support cultural activity beyond Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008.

The Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund was launched by Fund Patron, Phil Redmond, on behalf of fund leaders Community Foundation for Merseyside and founding partner, the Royal Liver Group.

Phil Redmond said: "Merseyside is renowned for its maritime, architecture, music, literature, arts and sport and Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 has placed it as a cultural beacon of the world this year. It is essential to support grassroots arts, culture and sports activities in the local community. I am delighted to support the Community Foundation's Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund, especially the endowment building for the fund, to ensure that local arts and cultural activities are supported post Capital of Culture."

The Royal Liver Group has worked with the Community Foundation for Merseyside to develop the Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund as part of their demonstration of sustainable support to local communities. The aim is to encourage other businesses, organisations and individuals to contribute to the Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund in terms of donations, time and influence.

Royal Liver Group's Director, Steve Burnett, said: "The Royal Liver Group is dedicated to supporting local communities, and helping to ensure that the cultural heritage of Merseyside is supported beyond 2008. We believe that the impact that such community activity has on people and their communities is worth supporting with both money and time."

The Community Foundation has delivered the European Social Fund's Arts and Culture Fund, a fund worth £800,000 to art and culture focused community groups across Merseyside since 2005. The Arts and Culture Fund ended in April 2008.

Community Foundation for Merseyside Assistant Chief Executive, Cathy Elliott, said: "The Community Foundation has a proven track record in supporting local arts and cultural activities via grant programmes. However, we are aware that there is still a real need in our communities. The Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund aims to ensure that there is a long term resource that supports cultural activity in local communities for future generations. Our annual awards celebration is the perfect place to launch our campaign, as it's a showcase of the type of local work that can be funded."

Anyone interested in supporting the Merseyside Cultural Legacy Fund can contact the Community Foundation on 0151 966 3594 or 0161 966 4604 or at legacy@cfmerseyside.org.uk.

For more details about this press release, please contact Joe Wilson at Community Foundation for Merseyside on 0151 966 3566 / 07845 472099 or email: joe.wilson@cfmerseyside.org.uk