This morning I went to see Ken Livingstone launch his new culture manifesto at the ICA. "London at the beginning of the 21st century is probably the most culturally exciting city on earth," said the mayor. "Like Paris at the turn of the 20th century or New York after World War Two, London plays a leading role in world culture. It's in touch with every new cultural development virtually the moment it emerges on the face of this planet." We like to think the same is true of Dazed & Confused, which is why we too want a mayor who knows how important all this stuff is to the capital. "London's current cultural success is not down to my administration," added Livingstone, "but I do strongly believe my policies nurutured an environment in which this success has flourished."
Livingstone made dozens of pledges for the next four years. Among the most exciting are new legal protections for music venues so they won't get shut down by property developers; a permanent venue for London Fashion Week; the expansion of Tate Modern and the Old Vic; a huge new visual arts festival; lots more free outdoor concerts and film screenings; and a London music expo to rival Texas' SXSW.
On the platform with Livingstone was Matthew Herbert – avant-garde house producer, Bjork collaborator, and founder of Accidental Records.
Dazed Digital: Why do you support Ken Livingstone?
Matthew Herbert: I've read Boris Johnson's manifesto, and he just sounds like one of those Young Conservatives who ran for president of my university's student union. There's nothing inspiring or enlivening in it for any artist or anyone who cares about culture in London. If he got in, I think it would be a substantial disaster.
DD: Anyone who knows your work will know that you're staunchly left-wing. Do you think that Ken Livingstone has drifted too far from his socialist roots?
MH: I can't really say. But his manifesto makes sense. He's environmentally aware, and he's taxing the rich with his congestion charge. Is he perfect? No. But a politician doesn't have to be perfect, he just has to be thoughtful. He has to care. And I don't think Boris gives a shit.
DD: This is a long shot, but do you know who Bjork supports for London mayor?
MH: No. I did see her very briefly the other night…
DD: But it didn't come up?
MH: I'm afraid not!