London in the 21st Century: 2001 – The Cultural Life of the Capital

The National Lottery had suddenly boosted London's prospects as an international cultural centre. London would become the stage-set for some of the most remarkable new buildings. But did Londoners want more museums and opera-houses? Or did they need a more vibrant street life of processions and festivals? Some argued that big projects would play a key regenerative role, others that small-scale local initiatives were the answer.

Order of discussion, chaired by Sheena McDonald:

Jeremy Isaacs (General Director, Royal Opera House)
A Personal Vision of the Arts in London

Charles Landry (Comedia)
Defining Culture: Investigating in People and Activity Rather than Buildings

Elizabeth MacGregor (Director, IKON Gallery)
Creating a Centre for Contemporary Culture

Giles Worsley (Editor, Perspectives of Architecture)
The Importance of Our Heritage in Defining Culture

Katherine Shonfield (Architect and Critic)
Culture Rooted in the Future, Rather than the Past

Lord Inglewood (Department of National Heritage)
The Impact of Government of the Cultural Life of the City

Mark Fisher MP (Shadow Minister for the Arts)
Labour's Perspective: The City is Our Culture

Sir David Puttnam (Chairman, Enigma Productions Ltd)
Where the Lottery has Failed, and the Need for New Creative Thinking to Meet our Cultural Needs

Lord Gowrie (Chairman, Arts Council of England)
What The Arts Council does to Foster Our Cultural Life

Summary by Paul Finch (Editor, The Architects' Journal)