ConorхЪhas met World of Glass boss Ron Helsby to talk about its role in St Helens’ bid to stage the Great Exhibition of the North in 2018.
The visit came after Conor had already thrown his support behind the exciting bid to host the exhibition that would coincide with the borough’s 150^thхЪanniversary and provide a great opportunity to showcase the arts, design and innovation in the region.
Conor was keen to meet World of Glass’s executive director because the venue plans such a key role in the arts scene in St Helens, as well as acting as host for the boroughs archives, housing our museum, telling the history of our community and the history of glass – and hosting fantastic exhibitions such as Pop! Goes St Helens.
Conor said after the meeting: “I’ve enjoyed visiting the World of Glass on a number of occasions and I wanted the opportunity to talk to Ron about his vision and ideas for the future and just what the World of Glass will bring to a Great Exhibition of the North.
“Working with all those involved in the arts the World of Glass is an important player in building on the emerging cultural scene in the borough and is central to creating a sustainable and long-lasting arts scene in our community.
“Venues such as the World of Glass areхЪimportant because I believe that everyone must have the opportunity to enjoy the arts ‰лв not just people living in our major cities.
“Unfortunately, funding cuts to the Arts Council and local authorities have created real problems and put arts in the region under threat, forcing, for example, some museum collections to be moved to London.
“That’s why projects such as the Great Exhibition of the North are so important in focusing attention on the vibrant arts and culture we have here in St Helens and across the North West.”