Thursday 7 October 2010, 18.45–20.00

Are large-scale public events nothing more than a waste of resources and a drain on the public purse?  Do they place an unbearable strain on our cities? Or are they a vital part of urban life? 

Artichoke, producers of live events such as La Machine and Antony Gormley's One & Other, are collaborating with Sky Arts and Tate to mount the second in a series of three public conversations about the nature and use of public space. 

In the wake of Liverpool '08 (European Capital of Culture) and as the 6th Liverpool Biennial explores how art touches a city, curator and writer Tim Marlow chairs a panel of provocative speakers including Helen King, Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police; Right Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, Helen Marriage, Co-Director Artichoke and Lewis Biggs, Artistic Director Liverpool Biennial, to consider the impact of such events on the life and work of the population.

In the extraordinary surroundings of the Williamson Tunnels, we examine the true legacy of the programme of events that transformed Liverpool, and ask how much a city can really take, particularly in a time of cuts to public services. We consider if there really is any lasting benefit, and if so, how it can be harnessed for the future.   

Free short tours of the Williamson Tunnels will be available between 18.00 and 18.35. 

This event takes place at the Williamson Tunnels:

The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
The Old Stable Yard
Smithdown Lane
Liverpool
Merseyside
L7 3EE

Tate Liverpool  Williamson Tunnels
£7 (£4 concessions), booking required
Please leave your email address when booking a ticket and you will be contacted to pose a question in advance to the panel

This event is related to the Liverpool Biennial 2010 : Touched exhibition