'The suppression of mutual loathing in the pursuit of government funding.'
Whoever thus defined partnership didn’t understand the critical role that collaborative networks can play in shaping the cultural landscape. And they certainly didn’t anticipate how the worst recession in living memory would illuminate the benefits of meaningful collaboration.
At a time of political uncertainty, maximising public impact for relatively little investment is likely to become an increasingly attractive model. In the context of Alistair Darling’s pre-budget report, it may well be a necessity.
The chancellor has singled out the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as a target for government cost savings. A prospective Conservative government may also light a new bonfire of cultural quangos.
In such an uncertain climate, partnership working can strengthen the cultural offer and lever exceptional public and financial benefit – a belief that lies at the heart of the work of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group (ERCG).
In the three years since it was formally constituted as a charity, the ERCG has encouraged some of the world’s most recognisable cultural brands – from the Natural History, Science and V&A museums to Imperial College London, the Royal Albert Hall and the Serpentine Gallery – to develop new ways of working together across South Kensington.
Every year, the ERCG’s members collaborate on a number of high-profile, free public events designed to introduce new audiences to Britain’s original creative quarter. One such event is Music Day, London’s contribution to Fete de la Musique or European Music Day.
In June last year, more than 30,000 people came to Exhibition Road to experience music of all genres in a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces. Almost 15 per cent of the audience had never visited Exhibition Road before and more than half the visitors went to three or more venues on the day.
Even more encouragingly, almost 30 per cent of attendees were under 16 – a key target audience for most of the ERCG institutions.
The scope, scale and complexity of Music Day belies its relatively low-cost delivery. The ERCG committed seed funding of less than £28,000 but provided additional in-kind staffing and support.
But it’s not just projects that benefit from partnership working. The ERCG acts as a powerful and influential voice, and is heard by politicians. It’s also ensured that the cultural organisations in South Kensington play a lead role in the delivery of the £28m Exhibition Road development.
The possibilities for partnership working are endless – and the need never more important.
Paul Cutts is the chief executive of the Exhibition Road Cultural Road
