Southbank Centre artistic director draws parallels between 1951 founding and today's crises at 75th anniversary event

Summary

The Southbank Centre celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Royal Festival Hall's opening with a special event at Westminster, coinciding with the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Artistic director Mark Ball drew parallels between the venue's founding during the 1951 Festival of Britain (post-war, amid global tensions) and today's context of ongoing wars, the aftermath of a pandemic, and crises in climate, mental health, and cost of living. Ball described joy as feeling "radical" in the current moment, emphasizing the arts' role in providing hope and connection during difficult times.

Source

Twitter / XSouthbank Centre artistic director draws parallels between 1951 founding and today's crises at 75th anniversary eventartsprofessional.co.uk