Make CIC: The Heart Of The Maker’s Community In Liverpool

By Radka Hostašová

Make Liverpool CIC

An important part of a practicing artist’s life is meeting with other creatives and interacting with audiences. In the case of musicians, their meeting points are frequently concert halls or other venues for rehearsals and public performances. A similar situation applies to dancers, actors or singers, whose gatherings are more than essential to collaborate on collective shows. But how about the ones who focus on visual arts and handcraft? The work of those artists is sometimes produced from home-based studios, commonly made up of an overloaded table in a tiny corner of the house. It could be said that these kind of working conditions might add a bit of loneliness to the creative process. 

However, along with other areas of art and culture, Liverpool values the contribution of local artists, makers and creators, by providing them with dedicated spaces to create, meet each other, collaborate and promote their work. And there is no doubt that Make CIC proudly stands amongst these creative spaces. Established in 2012, Make has become one of the popular community hubs for artists and local businesses, integrating various fields, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, embroidery, and woodcraft. 

Established in 2012, Make Liverpool has come a long way having expanded their base in the Baltic Triangle with two more venues – one located in the North Docks and the latest hub opened in Hamilton Square, Wirral. Another milestone for the growth of the organisation will be marked this year with the opening of a new creative space in Huyton Village, dedicated to connecting creatives in the Knowsley area. 

Looking at the concept of the centre, Make’s programme stands on three main pillars – create, connect and educate. Firstly, while using the extensive workspace of all three current venues, Make accommodates more than thirty resident artists, who can use the space to create as well as store and exhibit their work. Hiring a studio is a great solution for makers whose work involves the use of heavier equipment and requires a more industrial setting. Yet, it is also an affordable way for up and coming artists to take those first steps in their career and gain more confidence while running their own studio.

Giving an opportunity to local artists goes hand in hand with supporting the growth of independent businesses. With its community-focused plan, Make hosts regular meetings to provide guidance to less experienced makers and help implement their visions. Besides the mentoring sessions, the organisation has recently listed networking events to encourage the community members to teach, learn and exchange skills. After all, networking is one of the keys to establishing a successful business. 

And finally, a considerable part of the programme consists of a variety of workshops and courses, such as Drink and Draw, Introduction to Woodwork, Mindful Macramé, or Green Fingers – teaching the basics of plant care. It is important to note that creative classes are open to the maker’s community as well as to the public. Everyone thinking of kicking off a creative hobby, from traditional crafts to digital art, can join the classes. The warm and welcoming environment of Make intends to break the barriers of those who hesitate to start a creative journey and ensures their wellbeing. 

The Make venues host many more events on a regular basis, as well as hosting or one-off and pop-up events. Their Summer and Winter Arkade Markets provide a boost for the shop-small economy in the Liverpool City Region by bringing talented local makers to present and sell their products. Sustainability and independence stand at the forefront of the organisation’s strategy. With their constantly-developing mission to support the maker’s scene, Make Liverpool holds a significant role in Liverpool’s art and cultural field.

To find out more about Make visit https://makecic.org/

Why I Love Visiting Liverpool’s Galleries

By Rhiannon Lewis

Tate Liverpool

When I was a student here in Liverpool, the galleries were spaces I often escaped to for peaceful and reflective solitude.

There is often this idea that galleries are for ‘certain types’ of people. While being educated in the arts, or growing up with it gives a familiarity to venturing into those spaces, it’s not a prerequisite in any way to being able to understand, not least enjoy it. In fact, when you walk into a gallery wondering what on earth the exhibit is about, even laughing at it, this can be interesting in itself.

Below are listed the galleries I often enjoy a moment alone in, or trail around in with friends (all free, of course).

The Gallery at FACT 

This one is perhaps a bit tucked away, but always worth going to because I love that the space feels like a complete escape from the outside world. A couple of darkened rooms that are transformed with every turn of the gallery season. I used to go to the same exhibits again and again during my student days, picking up snippets of the artists’ stories and perspectives, but mostly enjoying sitting down on whatever seating they had (from sofas in front of projected realities, beanbags and even swivelling armchairs connected to virtual reality headsets), just taking in the 360 immersive experience 

The complex has two gallery spaces, a café/bar and a cinema that shows a lot of arthouse stuff. I recommend going in the day and just soaking everything in, or going in the evening and having a bit of a culture feast.

The Gallery at FACT: 88 Wood St, Liverpool L1 4DQ. Opens at 11am, closing times vary.

Tate Liverpool 

The exhibit here I usually like the most is the one on the bottom floor (one of the free ones gives me a sense of enjoyment in itself). They dress up the space completely different each time- once a sound-bath experience in a darkened ‘cave’, a collection of dresses larger than life, looking like architectural structures, another, huge sheets hanging from the ceiling splashed with crazy colours (the artist’s experience living in the rainforest). I don’t always find the story of the work hugely accessible, but I enjoy just popping in (often with friends) to discuss, to laugh. It’s nice, even, just being in a big room, especially if you’re early twenties and used to being cooped up in small rental apartments. 

Tate Liverpool: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB. Open 10-5:30pm (closed on Mondays). 

Open Eye Gallery 

This one is also a bit tucked away – it’s not far from Tate Modern, though, near the docks. The exhibits here generally are quite accessible, they show photography works that often combine themes of ecosystems- environmental protection or place. I encourage you to visit when you have energy and time to just wander and wonder to your heart’s content. I like to go around the whole exhibit and then read the explanations for its work afterwards. While I get the value of having work that stems from the artist’s deep knowledge of their craft, I like to be able to get something from it myself. It’s good to feel autonomous in one’s perspective of art, I think. Especially if you don’t like it – I encourage everyone to own that. It’s a nice space to be in regardless of what’s on. There are lots of windows too – I used to like sitting in front of handful of them hidden behind a screen – reading magazines and pretending that I, myself, was part of the exhibit.

Open Eye Gallery: 19 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP. Open 11-4pm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).

I suppose for me, that’s the importance of visiting galleries every once in a while. It’s a shame that for some it’s associated with boredom and being dragged around by your parents or friends or lovers to ‘get some culture’. Because even when you see work that isn’t great, giving time for some new information helps refresh your brain, helps you relax and even helps you to find new perspective for life outside the gallery’s walls. 

Becoming A Tourist In Your Own City: Hidden Gems Of Liverpool

By Radka Hostašová

Liverpool Waterfront

Have you ever thought of becoming a tourist in your own city? By traveling and exploring new places, we usually pack a suitcase and head away from our hometown, heading towards exotic countries and different cultures. Discovering the unknown generally provides us with excitement and curiosity. Perhaps, the Covid pandemic has changed the perception of traveling, and one of the few benefits of Covid restrictions was the expansion of domestic tourism as the only possibility of people’s getaway. However, what if we narrow the national tourism into an even smaller category; namely, sightseeing within our hometown? 

If we consider Liverpool, visiting the Royal Albert Dock, the Cathedrals, or Anfield Stadium, to name just a few top tourist attractions, are probably the recommendations we would give to tourists. In fact, these touristic areas are commonly avoided by locals due to the often large crowds. Therefore, we’ve prepared a short guide to remind you of places worth visiting in Liverpool, that as a local you might not have thought to visit.

1. Strawberry Field

Most of us probably know the song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever‘ by The Beatles. To understand more of the iconic lyrics as well as uncover the story of John Lennon, Strawberry Field is a good place to start.

In 2019 Strawberry Field was opened to the public for the first time, with an exhibition on its history, a cafe, shop and a training centre for young people with special educational needs. Located in Woolton Village, Strawberry Field offers a tour around the interactive exhibition or a peaceful walk in adjacent gardens. With a link to activities of The Salvation Army, this place bears the idea of mindfulness, wellbeing, and togetherness.

All sales through the exhibition, café and shop fund the Steps at Strawberry Field programmes, aimed at those with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment.

2. Western Approaches Museum

Amongst the number of museums across Merseyside, Western Approaches is one of the more obscure ones. Calling this museum a hidden gem is quite an appropriate term as the venue is located in an underground bunker. The self-guided tour around the labyrinth of rooms tells a story of the British Armed Forces during the Second World War, involving a range of authentic objects and documents. So if you don’t fear closed spaces, head to the Liverpool Town Hall – the Western Approaches Museum is located in the basement. 

3. Sudley House

Sudley House is a Victorian mansion located in Mossley Hill, currently under the administration of the National Museums Liverpool. Back in the 19th century, Sudley House used to be a residence of a Victorian merchant George Holt and his family. Driven by a lifelong love for art, George Holt spent his inherited fortune and trading profits on filling the house with valuable artworks and pieces of expensive furniture. These days, Sudley House is open for the public to experience the heritage of this wealthy Victorian family and admire the glorious interior. 

4. Berry and Rye Bar

Berry and Rye Bar is a place that addresses important historical events from a different perspective. Themed as a secret bar, this small venue in Liverpool city centre reflects on Prohibition dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. As a customer, you will be provided with an authentic experience including dim lights, menus hidden in vintage books, and 1930s style jazz music. Berry and Rye Bar is simply a great place to spend a memorable night out.

5. Allerton Towers

Liverpool has some fantastic parks and green spaces, with Sefton Park and Calderston Parks being two of the most popular destinations for a Sunday stroll. But, there’s several Liverpool public gardens that are quieter, if you’re looking for some solitude. If you walk up to Woolton Road, you’ll reach Allerton Towers – a gem amongst the parks with remains of the historical manor and Italianate colonnade in the centre, surrounded by green areas with diverse botanical species. The landscape of Allerton Towers is full of hidden corners and crannies that might enhance your weekend walk with a touch of mystery. 

6. Queen Avenue

Even as a regular around Liverpool city centre, you might not have discovered a tiny path off Castle Street named Queen Avenue. These days, the secret passage is mainly occupied by independent art galleries as well as classy wine stores. Lined with historical shop windows and vintage lamp posts, the spirit of Queen Avenue will take you back in time.

‘Barely Visible’ Is A Piece of Unmissable Theatre To Catch This Month

By Rhiannon Lewis

Rowena Gander
Rowena Gander. Photo Credit: Andrew Ness

I had the privilege of snatching a little preview of ‘Barely Visible’ a few weeks ago – a new theatre performance incorporating a 100-foot pole into an exploration of the queer experience. Part-dance, part semi-autobiographical monologue, Rowena Gander (the sole performer) stretches out to the audience at the very seams of the space, her defiant and often ironic words pushing past the barriers of the fourth wall and into the audience’s consciousness. 

It takes a few minutes for the audience to settle into the exchange that they learn, encouraging their response- by the end, gasping freely at Gander’s incredible dexterity and fierce strength, with scatters of applause. There are moments we, as the audience, feel suspended with Gander, raised into flight, but a smart remark, an elegant descent, and laughter punctuates the air, and the audience is back on known ground- not airborne after all. 

But that’s the greatest strength of Gander’s performance- for there is an understanding that though Gander’s ability to articulate her body will, likely, far exceed our own, she speaks of an experience that many share. “Dirty”- the snarling recorded voice lashes out in the darkness. She looks up, face smeared with mud. She smiles prettily, puts on make-up and totters on invisible stilettos, a posture that starkly contrasts her usual easy, confident gait. This articulates not only the queer experience, but that of women, of ‘other’. The show portrays that expectation impressed upon us to fit into acceptable ways of being. Rowena emulates this, the restriction is painful and she struggles to stand, to be. Then she punches out of those constraints, quite literally, flying above the audience.

We take a collective breath. For though we can’t all move with the intelligence and skill of Rowena Gander, there are always ways for us to break out, fly- to expand beyond expectations that we otherwise might have allowed to restrain us. It is a reminder in itself breathtaking to behold.

‘Barely Visible’ Creative Team

Dircted by Elinor Randle
Performed by Rowena Gander
Original sound score by Noel Jones
Lighting design by Phil Saunders
Produced by Claire Bigley – Please contact Claire for all booking inquiries – Claire@tmesistheatre.com
This work is supported Arts Council England and by Unity Theatre as part of their Open Artist Callout.
Photography by Andrew Ness

‘Barely Visible’ is touring around Liverpool, performing at Edge Hill University on 15 March and Square Chapel in Halifax on the 6th April (more performances to be added).

Tung Auditorium: A New Modern Concert Hall Launched In Liverpool

By Radka Hostašová

The Tung Auditorium

After announcing the development of a brand new, multi-purpose facility named after Yoko Ono, Liverpool has recently enhanced its cultural sphere with a large venue designed to listen to live music. The Tung Auditorium, as a part of the University of Liverpool’s Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, opened its doors to the public at the beginning of the year 2022.

The building is located on the university campus, on the corner of Oxford Street and Groove Street, and serves the purposes of performers and concert-goers, as well as the students and lecturers. Whereas the Tung Auditorium represents the concert hall, Paul Brett Lecture Theatre offers a space for art students to undertake professional world-class sessions. 

The Tung Auditorium is significantly contributing to Liverpool’s cultural domain. Firstly, naming the centre after John Lennon and Yoko Ono builds on the musical heritage of the region and materializes the memory of an iconic artistic couple. Additionally, the Tung Auditorium is unique for its size and modern layout as the concert hall can host up to 400 visitors and provides a stage for large-scale orchestras. And finally, an advanced architectonic plan also comes along with excellent acoustic properties. The hall is equipped with cutting-edge technology that can be adjusted to accommodate ensembles of various sizes and genres.

Moving towards an artistic program, the Tung Auditorium embraces a broad range of musical styles. The audience can choose between classical music, jazz, folk, or electronic and alternative music. However, the diverse production does not only consist of a variety of genres. The programme combines the recitals of music students with high-profile national and international artists in order to attract a large group of attendees with different preferences. 

Besides the evening events, The Tung Auditorium functions as a hub for a regular series of midday concerts, previously held at the Victoria Gallery & Museum. As an outcome of relocating the Lunchtime Concert Series to a spacious modern hall, the project can further expand and address more visitors across Merseyside. 

Overall, the Tung Auditorium’s programme strategy is clearly complex. Along with bringing a high-quality music experience to its audience, the venue intends to broaden the audience’s knowledge through interactive workshops related to the music world.

Moreover, it brings up the concept of community and togetherness – both the key ideas of John Lennon and Yoko Ono which formed their approach towards life and society. In fact, without the collective financial support of the community the plans for building this new cultural centre might never have come to fruition. To honour the individuals and organisations who contributed to fund the venue, each seat in the Tung Auditorium is marked with the donor’s name.  

To find out more about The Tung Auditorium and their programme of events visit https://thetungauditorium.com/

‘Ones to Watch’: Get to Know Liverpool-Based Indie-Pop Band Ask Elliot

By Francesca-Lily McIntosh

Ask Elliot Band Liverpool

Ask Elliot was formed in 2018 after cousins Tom Houghton (lead guitar), Liam Shields (drummer) and classmate Archie Rimmer (bass) met Ream Radomes (lead vocalist). Ask Elliot have played shows across multiple venues in Liverpool such as the Arts Club, the Zanzibar Club and recently showcased in Modern Age Music’s ‘Ones to Watch’ series at Jimmy’s in Liverpool. As they now begin to expand beyond Liverpool, now is the time to get to know Ask Elliot and their plans for the future.

Uncover Liverpool: As things are slowly getting back to normal and the music industry is beginning to thrive once again, how does it feel to be able to play live gigs again?

Ream: It feels really good. A year and a half of gigging was taken away from us and we were really beginning to take off in 2019. We were hitting a point where doors were opening up for us, but it’s very reassuring how we’re gigging again, and things are the same way as they were.

Uncover: Is there a story behind the band name?

Liam: Me and Tom were at our mutual nans’ for a Chinese takeaway, and we were trying to think of a band name. We were struggling and Tom’s sister, Lucy, has a friend called Elliot who is renowned as being quite clever. Someone said, ‘why don’t we ask Elliot?’ and I think it was my dad who said why don’t we just go with Ask Elliot? 

Uncover: We are well and truly hooked on you guys – Our favourites have to be Honey, By Your Side and Flowers of White. Do you each have a favourite single?

Archie: Probably to listen to By Your Side but to do in the studio was Settle Down.

Tom: Mine would be Olivia at the minute.

Liam: My favourite changes every day but right now it’s Flowers of White.

Ream: I like them all for different reasons, but the top of the list would be Olivia and Settle Down. However, we do have another single coming out soon. It’s a short one but it makes me move and I like that about the next one.

Ask Elliot Band Interview Uncover Liverpool

Uncover: We are really looking forward to seeing what’s next for you. What does 2022 look like for Ask Elliot?

Ream: So far, we have just been preparing, like I said we have a single coming up so we’re getting on with polishing material for that, doing all of the boring promotional things. 

This year we’ve planned to take a break from recording, so after this single we are going to go out and play as many gigs as possible.

Our gig at Jimmy’s on the 27th of January was a really good opportunity for us because the promoter we were working with said that they would like to work with us in the future, so hopefully it will open some doors for us outside of Liverpool.

Our aim now is to expand outside of Liverpool and to get people knowing who we are as far and wide as we can.

Uncover: Liverpool must be the perfect place for a band to set their roots in, do you think being so local to Liverpool and its popular music scene has supported you as a band?

Ream: I do feel like it has given us a lot of momentum at the start of our journey and I’m not sure we could have done that in any other place. 

The scene is very close-knit. We are friends with other bands, and we often get presented opportunities through them. 

I think it has helped a lot and there are a lot more opportunities here, however we only started in Liverpool so it’s all we know really.

Uncover: You have already announced you have some new music lined up for us, can you tell us when we can look out for your next single? Can you give us a word to describe it?

Ream: It’s very much pencilled in and up in the air at the moment but around March is where we’re aiming, so very soon. I would say energetic. 

Liam: Bouncy.

Archie: I would say three: In your face.

While we look out for their next in-your-face single, guaranteed to get you moving, you can stream Ask Elliot on Spotify and Apple Music and follow the guys on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Half Term Activities For Kids

By Radka Hostašová

Liverpool Mountain outside Tate (tak kei wong-unsplash)

Half term is here already and as spring is still not in sight the options for outdoor adventures are quite limited. However, we are bringing a few tips for exciting activities in Liverpool to entertain children during the two-week break.  

From a variety of museums, cinemas and concert halls, to art hubs and creative workshops, the possibilities of spending leisure time exploring the cultural field are endless. Plus these activities are perfect for the whole family.

Discovery Zone At The Beatles Story

Every weekend, The Beatles Story opens its Discovery Zone to introduce younger audiences to the musical heritage of one of the most famous bands in the world. By using different interactive sources including screens, musical instruments and karaoke, children can playfully learn about the band and taste the feeling of being a musician. 

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the song ‘Love Me Do’, The Beatles Story has also prepared a special Valentine’s weekend program, where children can craft a paper heart while listening to all the love-related recordings by The Beatles. 

Potterspool at Otterspool Adventure Park

Otterspool Adventure Park invites all the little ones for a magical tour around Hogwarts. During their Potterspool event complete with wizards, spells, and illusions, children can participate in a Potterspool Parade, take a ride in a flying car with Ron Weasley or visit the famous Platform 9¾. The day culminates with a performance in the Great Show Hall. 

Throughout the event, families will be provided with a range of thematic refreshments including Bertie Botts, chocolate frogs, and many more. Potterspool runs every day from the 19th to the 27th of February, and booking your tickets is required prior to the event.

National Museums Liverpool

If you choose to spend a day exploring new things, World Museum Liverpool presents a number of exhibitions to accommodate the whole family. For example, the World Museum Liverpool hosts a permanent display of of critters at their Bug House, where from very close up, visitors can observe real tarantulas, scorpions, or caterpillars. However, if this sounds too creepy, you can visit the live Aquarium, or discover the beginning of life on Earth at the Dinosaur exhibition. you can even visit the wonderful Planetarium.

To complete the expedition, you can get a treat from the café situated on the ground floor of the museum, visit a shop selling plentiful gifts and merchandising, or have a rest in the picnic area on the upper floor. 

Moreover, the Museum of Liverpool located at the Pier Head offers a programme called Little Liverpool for young children under age 6. During the 30 minute session running each day, young participants will experience the world’s heritage through interactive activities, games, and crafty tasks. 

Drama Weeks In Everyman & Playhouse

And finally, Everyman & Playhouse Theatres has scheduled Drama Weeks – classes full of games, improvisation, and storytelling. One-week courses are spread in daily sessions running from 10am to 4pm. Each week carries different topics and ideas, however, every course is concluded with a Friday afternoon performance for parents. Drama Weeks are a great way to develop children’s creativity and teach them the basics of drama skills. Bookings for the course are now open, and you can pick the dates and times that suit you the best.

You can discover hundreds of events happening in Liverpool and across the Liverpool City Region in our What’s On section.

5 Contemporary Liverpool LGBT+ Creatives

By Tilly Foulkes

LGBT+ History Month February - Liverpool's LGBT+ Creatives

As a key cultural hub in the UK, Liverpool has a rich and delightful history when it comes to the creative arts. Music, art, literature and performance are key to Liverpool’s existence.

From the birth of the first official gay quarter in Britain – believed to have its origins in the Victorian era – to the fact it is today home to one of Europe’s largest Pride festivals; queer culture and history is undeniably weaved into Liverpool. Here are some of the LGBT people making the Liverpool creative scene what it is today.

Felix Mufti-Wright

Felix Mufti-Wright

Felix Muft-Wright is a multi-talented artist, working as an actor, activist, writer, performer and facilitator. Not only has he organised for Trans Pride Liverpool and Transgender Day of Remembrance, he’s also previously been commissioned by the Museum of Liverpool to write and perform a poem for the latter. He co-founded Transcend Theatre in the early days of 2020; writing about the everyday experiences of queer people that are often forgotten about when it comes to contemporary media and giving local LGBT+ people the opportunity to get involved in theatre.

Kiara Mohamed

Kiara-Mohamed

Kiara Mohamed is a Somali, trans artist, using multiple disciplines to explore the intersections of identity – race, gender and sexuaity, as well as community and self-care. His work, which stretches from photography and filmmaking to poetry and artisanal handicraft, has previously been displayed at FACT. His short film ‘Home’ reflected on the concept and ideas of home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and used footage from Toxteth, where he’s based.

CRAWLERS

Crawlers Band

Combining the influences of Queens of the Stone Age and Nirvana, as well as the likes of Amy Winehouse and Joan Jett, CRAWLERS are Liverpool’s freshest musical talent. Self-described as a ‘silly little eyeliner band’, they’re an exciting addition to Liverpool’s scene, who seem to keep excelling further with every release. With only seven songs on Spotify, they’ve already amassed over 1 million monthly listeners, and have recently signed to a major record label.

House of Suarez

House of Suarez Vouge Ball

House Of Suarez – created by Darren Suarez – in their own words, ‘exists to recognise and celebrate vogue culture as an independent art form incorporating unique & specific dance technique, theatre, costume design/creation and drag performance.’ The organisation is fiercely anti-ractist, aiming to be inclusive and championing diverse talent. Since it’s first event in 2008 – as part of the Homotopia programme for European Capital of Culture – House of Suarez has gone on to host annual vogue events; celebrating ballroom culture and its connections to LGBT history, ballooning into a key cultural event the city holds in its diary.

Lo Tierney

Lo Tierney Gay Is Ok

Lo Tierney is an activist and illustrator based in Liverpool. Taking influence from drag culture, the Riot Grrrl movement, and the modernist style of Henri Matisse, Tierney creates fun and inspiring prints and illustrations. She has worked for the likes of the Walker Art Gallery and the Whitechapel Centre, as well as previously having a solo exhibition at Output Gallery.

Find out more about the amazing LQBT+ events happening across Liverpool in our What’s On section.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Liverpool

By Tilly Foulkes

Chinatown Liverpool Photo credit David Munn (Dmpliverpool)
Photo Credit: David Munn (dmpliverpool)

Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with the Chinese New Year events happening in Liverpool this February.

The pandemic has previously halted in-person celebrations, but 2022 will see them return once again. Locals and tourists alike gather at the Chinese Ceremonial Archway to celebrate the annual Chinese New Year Festival. The archway is the door to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, and this year the streets will once more be embellished with lanterns as the dragon shares good luck through traditional Chinese dance.

Great George Sqaure’s stage is set to host live performances throughout the day, while buildings will be lit up in red to honour the traditions of Chinese New Year.

That’s not all – there will be plenty of activities and things to explore, no matter where your interests lie. Art workshops with creative exercises, a storytelling bus and a multitude of food stalls for visitors to sample Chinese food will be running all day. And if you aren’t able to make it down then there’s no need to miss out – there’s an abundance of online workshops, activities and opportunities to watch archive footage available.

Culture Liverpool has commissioned all of the new pieces of work to complement the free traditional Chinese New Year celebrations which includes dragon, unicorn and Lucky Man parades, firecracker displays, family workshops, Tai Chi demonstrations, a small fairground and food stalls. Activity will take place from 11am-5.30pm on Sunday 6 February.

New for this year are:

  • From Friday 4 to Sunday 6 February, a 3D animated Water Tiger will prowl around the tower inside St Luke’s Church (the Bombed Out Church). Taking place from 6-9pm each night, the projections will transform the tower into a Chinese pagoda, complete with lanterns designed by local schools and community groups. The show, which lasts for ten minutes and will run on a loop each evening, is free but there is an ask for donations for the venue.  The work has been created by Focal Studios, Scenegraph Studios in collaboration with the Bombed Out Church.
  • Work is under way on a new mural will take pride of place in Great George Square playground courtesy of Zap Graffiti which is bringing together an award-winning Beijing artist, Tang Shou, and local youngsters who will create a piece of art which symbolises what the Year of the Tiger means to them.

New commissions taking place on Sunday 6 February

  • Pagoda Arts will shine a spotlight on Tian – an up-and-coming young band made up of east/southeast Asian artists who perform a blend of original east-meets-west tracks. They will take to the stage in Great George Square at 2.20pm and 3.50pm, and will play a ticketed event at the Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room that evening.
  • From 5.15pm, Bring The Fire Project will showcase their incredible skills at the Chinese Arch with a specially created Chinese New Year performance which will incorporate traditional martial arts. They will be joined by Hung Gar Kung Fu’s illuminated dragon and lion.
  • Dance company Movema explore the cultural history of Chinese New Year and have produced contemporary work which embraces our diverse communities and celebrates what makes Liverpool so unique and special.  A series of pop-up performances will take place in the afternoon, in and around Chinatown with on-stage activity at 3.10pm and 4.25pm.
  • Visually stunning Feng Huang (Chinese Phoenix) street animation will appear at the Bombed Out Church at 1.45pm.
  • The Black-e Youth Circus present, Triumph of the Tiger, a short story told through circus skills, illuminations and costume involving young people aged 6 to 18 years. Involving ground-based and aerial performance, it will create a beautiful illuminated spectacle to tell a simple tale of how we can overcome adversity. The costumes and LED illuminations will be coloured to represent the five tigers from Ancient Chinese myths. The performance involves a collaboration with Bring The Fire Project. Throughout the day The Black-e will also be offering circus skills taster workshops on Nelson Street for members of the public to participate in and a beanbag making workshop.

Building up to the main day of activity, from this week thousands of Chinese lanterns will adorn the city centre streets, and from Sunday 30 January a number of buildings will be illuminated in red in honour of the new year – signifying good fortune and joy to everyone. These buildings include the Cunard, Port of Liverpool, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, Central Library Picton Colonnades, Toxteth Library, Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, the Martin Luther King building, Mersey Gateway Bridge and University of Liverpool’s Yoko Ono Centre. The Royal Liver Building and the Radio City tower will light up on Tuesday 1 February which is Chinese New Year.

Saturday, February 5th will see FACT celebrating with their World Wide Wontons workshop,  sharing stories and recipes that express what togetherness and family mean to each other.

The festivities don’t end there though – The Lady Lever Art Gallery will also be hosting events on February 12th in celebration, too. The Chinese New Year is sure to be a buzzing celebration all round!

To discover even more events visit our What’s On section.

Creative Workshops For Children At The World Museum Liverpool

By Radka Hostašová

Craft at The World Museum Liverpool

Engagement with young visitors has become a common practice across many cultural venues. It is a good way to introduce children to valuable pieces of art and historical artefacts. Moreover, a museum visit can enhance a child’s imagination and help to understand the world around them.

However, there is no doubt that mere wandering around the expositions is generally not enough to attract children’s attention. Instead, galleries and museums employ various interactive activities and practical exercises to raise a new generation of regular visitors. 

As one of the most popular cultural settings in the city, The World Museum Liverpool offers a wide program for children of various ages. Besides the educational sessions for schools and families, the museum has recently launched Craft at the Museum workshops to support children’s creativity and imagination. The program mainly addresses preschoolers, as the workshops take place between 10 am and 12 pm.

The classes are running now and continuing on a weekly basis until 27 of February. There’s no need to book a space for the class, just drop in and get straight to work! All craft supplies are provided by the course, and the museum only requires parents to supervise their children during the session. 

And what is the idea of the workshops? The World Museum Liverpool mainly draws inspiration from their current collections. Therefore, children will be making artworks that reflect on particular displays, for example, a live Aquarium installation or a permanent exhibition of Ancient Egypt. Craft at the Museum is simply a creative, playful, and educational way to introduce children to a world cultural heritage.

To find even more creative events, check out our What’s On section.