With the arts becoming ever more central to the notion of a world-class city, and the completion of Crossrail imminent, the time is right for the City of London to improve its cultural infrastructure, says Nicholas Kenyon.
In recent decades, we have seen a radically changing relationship between arts organisations and their audiences. Art was once deliberately cut off from the mainstream of cities with imposing buildings that aimed to intimidate. Such aspirational venues are still being created around the world. These buildings foster a sense of separateness, of exclusivity, a sense of entitlement for the audience inside.
What lovers of the arts now want is very different. Of course, we still want spaces to be special, to create a sense of wonder and even — as anyone entering the Royal Albert Hall may feel — a sense of awe. But there also has to be a sense of availability and welcome... Keep reading on the Financial Times
In recent decades, we have seen a radically changing relationship between arts organisations and their audiences. Art was once deliberately cut off from the mainstream of cities with imposing buildings that aimed to intimidate. Such aspirational venues are still being created around the world. These buildings foster a sense of separateness, of exclusivity, a sense of entitlement for the audience inside.
What lovers of the arts now want is very different. Of course, we still want spaces to be special, to create a sense of wonder and even — as anyone entering the Royal Albert Hall may feel — a sense of awe. But there also has to be a sense of availability and welcome... Keep reading on the Financial Times