In the second instalment of a new series of columns exploring creativity and politics, Brendan Bunting, aka Dapper Artist, points out that art is a luxury that fewer people can afford during an economic crisis
As the dark nights set in, we are all too aware of the cost-of-living crisis as we plan how we can cut our own energy consumption at home.
The impact on the arts is something we might not readily appreciate or acknowledge. But the current crisis is something that could reduce the cultural opportunities on offer to us.
Recently it has been announced that sadly Art B&B is set to close. Art B&B was Blackpool’s first boutique hotel designed by artists who also offered a cultural programme of events at the venue.
Since opening in 2019 Art B&B commissioned 30 contemporary artists to renovate the hotel. It has hosted many Arts events, set up community groups, and been a testbed for creative ideas on the Fylde Coast. So its loss will be significantly felt among communities in Blackpool.
In a statement about the closure, hotel owners blames the current economic climate, adding that “there are not enough future bookings to guarantee sustaining it in its current form”.
Hopefully we might see Art B&B back in another form, as culture and tourism in Blackpool is a great collaboration.
Thankfully Blackpool is blessed to have many other live performances spaces such as the Grand Theatre, the Comedy Station, Tower Ballroom, the Old Electric and the Winter Gardens. All of which offer a wide variety of performances, and hopefully will not suffer a significant impact from the cost-of-living crisis.
That a venue of its intimate size brings the likes of Terrorvision and Ugly Kid Joe to play perfectly illustrates the ambition the Waterloo has grown.
But Art B&B is by no means the only venue locally to be impacted. The Waterloo, has undergone a dramatic, yet welcome change over the last decade to turn itself into a live music venue with a reputation as heavy as many of the bands it puts on.
The Waterloo embraces the spirit of Blackpool both in our motto of ‘Progress’ and in its daring approach to programming live music. That a venue of its intimate size brings the likes of Terrorvision and Ugly Kid Joe to play perfectly illustrates the balls and ambition the Waterloo has grown. But again these aspirations and creative risk taking are not without heartache, and the Waterloo is having to pull gigs due to lack of demand.
Bootleg Social, another independent live music venue that is flying the flag for diverse live events in Blackpool, has also experienced some low numbers. But thanks to their promotions team, loyal audiences and owners’ knowledge of the live music scene it is still able to sell out many live music nights.
With higher profile musicians cancelling tours, due to “relentless demands” and the costs to them. Could this be an opportunity for those up and coming bands, and smaller venues like Bootleg and The Waterloo?
Perhaps, as there is still an overwhelming appetite for live entertainment. But when we are struggling to heat and eat, sadly culture can feel like a luxury.
