x.trax, Manchester's annual showcase of street theatre, live art, visual theatre and music, has been forced to cancel its plans for a 2002 festival following Manchester City Council 's indecision about its funding.
Despite an October 31 deadline for a funding announcement, no news has been forthcoming and organisers Anne Tucker, Jeremy Shine and Maggie Clarke have reluctantly taken the decision to cancel the event, speculating that this year's funding will be spent on initiatives taking place during the period of the Commonwealth Games, leaving others in jeopardy. They are currently planning to revive the x.trax festival and showcase in May 2003, and in the meantime are exploring ways in which services for artists and promoters can be developed in the absence of a live event in 2002. In the last 2 years over 80%of companies that have presented work in x.trax received bookings as a result, and promoters from 34 different countries have attended.
Published: 03-12-2001