Top city honour for departing Biennial boss

LEWIS Biggs, founder of one of Liverpool’s biggest art events, the Liverpool Biennial,  is to be given civic recognition for his work by becoming a Citizen of Honour.

The gong is second only to Freedom of the City and is bestowed by councillors on people or organisations who have made significant contributions to the city.

His name is to go forward at an extraordinary meeting of the city council at the Town Hall next Tuesday. Once approved, a ceremony will be organised to formerly enrol the name of Lewis Biggs onto the official list of honoured citizens.

The award comes just weeks after Mr Biggs announced he is quitting after 10 years as chief executive of the Liverpool Biennial, the showcase arts event held every two years. The search is already under way to find a successor to head the 2012 Biennial.

Research by the Mersey Partnership revealed last year’s Biennial attracted around 628,000 visitors and contributed over £27m to the local economy. As an arts festival it attracts massive national publicity and also sees the glitterati of London’s art world  heading north to sample the best in culture away from the capital.

Mr Biggs  is quitting at a time when funding for the next Biennial is likely to be reduced as part of economies made in funding for the arts. Arts Council England recently confirmed extra funding for the  2012 event and Liverpool City Council has also pledged support for 2012.