News - Uncover Liverpool

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Liverpool Exhibition Explores Creative Community Response to 2024 Counter-Protests

A public exhibition in Liverpool will seek to understand how the arts can support those targeted by xenophobic abuse.

The showcase of work entitled Stories of Solidarity will be open to the public from Saturday 21st June to Wednesday 23rd June, 12:00–4:00pm daily and free tickets are bookable now via Eventbrite.

By exploring the networks of solidarity in place, the research allows previously unheard voices to contribute their creativity and oral testimonies, helping to develop a deeper understanding of how these processes unfolded during the summer disorder in the city in 2024.

The exhibition is part of an ongoing creative research project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) in partnership with Afloat Theatre, Asylum Link Merseyside, and the University of Liverpool.

Since February 2025, the project has been collecting stories through theatre, collage, zine-making and interviews with communities across Liverpool affected by the 2024 summer protests, looking for themes of solidarity, community and resistance within the counter-protests.

This will culminate in a Liverpool-wide zine produced later this year – a self-published magazine – showcasing community responses to these events.

Lead Artist, Phoebe McSweeney said: “The group really embraced working with these themes and it has been really powerful to explore how theatre and collage art can address marginalisation and offer a platform for the members to share their experiences of threat, solidarity and resilience. This exhibition is a continuation of the ongoing process of gathering stories and responses to our work, and we encourage our audience to share their own stories with us, as this will inform the content of the Stories of Solidarity Zine which will be published in autumn 2025.”

By centring community voices and participatory arts, Stories of Solidarity explores how creative practice can support community voices in telling their stories on their own terms – and shaping wider conversations about solidarity, care, and creative resistance.

Organisers are inviting visitors to reflect on art created in collaboration so far with Asylum Link Merseyside, Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, members of Al Rahma Mosque, L8 communities in Granby Winter Gardens/Squash Cafe. There will also be zine-making available and opportunities to contribute memories or suggestions to build wider conversations and shape the future directions of the project.

There will also be a private viewing on Friday 20th June (6-9pm) by invitation only, featuring immersive theatre performances by members of Afloat Theatre, co-produced with members of Asylum Link Merseyside. Members of community organisations or interested individuals please contact hbullen@liverpool.ac.uk if interested in a ticket for the private viewing.

National Museums Liverpool’s autumn 2025 programme celebrates region’s precious finds and power of hair

A major exhibition celebrating some of the amazing treasure found in the region joins a busy programme of exhibitions, displays and other exciting events across National Museums Liverpool.

From Bronze Age hoards to Viking gold and silver, Treasure: History Unearthed at Museum of Liverpool is the largest collection of treasures ever displayed in the North West of England and Wales, featuring special loan items from British Museum. Curated by the museum’s team of archaeologists, the exhibition opens on 13 September and sheds light on some of the treasures uncovered, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore some of the most remarkable finds in local history.

Also coming up at Museum of Liverpool is a photo display exploring Liverpool’s love-in with hair. Featuring everything from curly blows to mop tops, Curly Blows, Cuts and Curlers looks at the social and cultural impact of hair, featuring work from renowned photographers, including Alex Hurst, Abdullah Badwi, Paul Trevor and The Caravan Gallery. The display opens on 3 October in Museum of Liverpool’s Skylight Gallery.

At the Walker Art Gallery, a celebration of JMW Turner’s work and legacy will mark 250 years since his birth with the major exhibition Turner: Always Contemporary. Alongside Turner’s works from the Gallery collections, pieces by celebrated artists such as Claude Monet, Ethel Walker, Bridget Riley, Maggi Hambling and Damien Hirst help explore his timeless appeal and influence.

Grappling with modern day issues such as climate change and immigration – themes Turner’s work often considered – Turner: Always Contemporary takes visitors on a journey through his world and opens on 25 October.

Walker Art Gallery also welcomes the return of the prestigious John Moores Painting Prizes for its 68th year. First held in 1957, the prize celebrates contemporary painting and is open to any UK based artist over the age of 18. This year’s exhibition opens on 6 September, with the new winner also announced.

Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said: “Hidden treasures, iconic hairstyles and the work of a British master showcases the broad range of subjects our curators work on across our venues.

“This newly announced programme joins an already busy schedule including our major exhibition Bees: A Story of Survival, a celebration of birds and the talent of Jim Moir at Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the welcome return of the Liverpool Biennial to the city.”

There’s still time to catch Bees: A Story of Survival, extended until 28 September at World Museum. The Holly Johnson Story at Museum of Liverpool, celebrating the career of Frankie Goes to Hollywood lead singer Holly Johnson, runs until 27 July.

Also at Museum of Liverpool, Goodbye to Goodison celebrates the final season of men’s football at Goodison Park, with a newly installed photo from the last game now on display until 21 September.

Legendary comedian Jim Moir, better known as the enigmatic Vic Reeves, showcases his charming bird illustrations for the first time in a national gallery with Dawn to Dusk: Birds by Jim Moir, which runs at Lady Lever Art Gallery until 2 November.

Former John Moores Painting Prize winner, Graham Crowley’s exhibition I paint shadows is open at Walker Art Gallery until 13 July, alongside installations from this year’s Liverpool Biennial, which runs until 14 September.

For information on National Museums Liverpool’s full calendar of exhibitions, events and activities, visit liverpoolmuseums.org.uk. There is also a range of digital content available online, including popular features such as What Artists Wear, Museum Sessions and the NML Podcast.

In everyone’s ears this August: Penny Lane Weekender returns for 2025

3 Days | 4 Venues | Boss Music – 8th, 9th, 10th August 2025

This August, Penny Lane continues to sustain its global musical legacy with a 3-day music festival, spotlighting local and independent artists and bands. Returning for its third year, the festival will take over venues all located on or around Liverpool’s iconic Penny Lane.

Created in 2023 by Liverpool Post-Punk band Pleasure Island, the grassroots community festival was conceived to showcase Liverpool-based acts from the local community. Initially billed as a one-off event in the upstairs area of Dovedale Towers, a pub famous for being the residence of Freddie Mercury before his Queen glory days, the event immediately blossomed into a festival in its first year, taking on a second venue and a few extra days to accommodate the demand.

Now in its third year of operation, Penny Lane Weekender has grown into a smash success that continues to discover fresh new music and widen opportunities for emerging musicians from both Liverpool and the rest of the UK. The 2025 lineup promises an eclectic mix of Indie, Rock, Punk, Electronica, Dance and Pop including local frontrunners The DSM IV, infectious spiky sci-fi rockers SILENT-K, Japanese psych-rock band Qujaku and the hosts themselves, Pleasure Island.

Organiser (and frontman of Pleasure Island) Sean Regan says “This festival has been a shock for us all, given how we started it only two years ago as a gig upstairs in a pub! We’ve been very fortunate that the community has gotten behind this in such an incredible way, we just hope we can keep making it better and do everyone proud. Liverpool already has great festivals, but this is a part of town which hasn’t had a lot of love, despite its musical legacy. Everyone who comes here tells us what a great place it is, with an amazing atmosphere that is perfect for a weekend of live music. We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone again.”

In the wake of increasing financial pressures – resulting in the loss of 125 grassroots music venues across the UK last year alone (Music Venue Trust) – the role that events like Penny Lane Weekender represent are even more crucial, dedicated to platforming new music and local talent. The festival continues to honour Penny Lane’s significance in Liverpool’s musical history, as a hotspot for budding musicians and bands who are struggling to make it on the map.

2025 FULL LINEUP

1ST WAVE:

PLEASURE ISLAND · TEPID DAYS · EDGAR JONES · BONES · THE FROOBZ · PVC · BLOODWORM · THE DSM IV · DISCO IN SOCHI · CHEERY · EVIL PINK MACHINE · THE DIRT · BLACK BORDELLO · YASWADAH · FALSE THOUGHTS · THIRST · QUJAKU (JP) · HELEN MAW · MODERN MARRIAGE · AUSTERITY DOGS · ZARA SMILE · COW

2ND WAVE:

SILENT K · CAPTAIN CROCODILE · FAKE WIFE · WORLDCUB · MUSEUM OF BACKWARD HATS · MONOXIDE BROTHERS · B.B. KAIZO · MEAT BAGS · HOLY PICTURES · HANS UMLAUT · PAINT ME IN COLOUR · CORNERSTONE · ANDRÉ JAHNOI · KULTURESS · MILES TEMP · THE GENTLE SCARS · OBFUSK8 · TURNSTONE · JUNIOR DAYVIS

TICKETS HERE

Homotopia X Open Door Charity Pride T-shirt campaign 2025

This pride month, local Merseyside charities Homotopia Arts and Open Door are teaming up to show support for the community, and to raise awareness of the vital importance of effective mental health support for LGBTQIA+ individuals. 🧠❤️

They ran a t-shirt design competition open to entries from anyone identifying as LGBTQIA+ between the ages of 16-25. The winning design that you see comes from Beau Kay (they/them), a local illustrator and animator. 🎨

All funds raised from Everpress will be split between the two charities, ensuring that we can continue our powerful work to support LGBTQIA+ youth.

About the charities:

Homotopia is an arts and social justice organisation making a cultural impact through art and activism. Born and bred in Liverpool, their work supports and platform local, national, and international Queer and trans creatives, artists, and makers. They do this through a year-round programme of activity, which includes working with young people, artist CPD and our annual festival. Homotopia Festival is the UK’s longest running LGBTQIA+ arts festival, celebrating it’s 21st edition later this year.

Open Door Charity is committed to providing free, fast and effective mental health support to young people across Merseyside. They provide a range of programmes without long waiting lists or lengthy referrals, to get young people the right support, at the right time. Their flagship service Bazaar is an eight week peer-mentor led programme, that has a track record of significantly reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, having powerful, life changing outcomes for members.

Purchase the T-Shirt here: https://everpress.com/opendoor-homotopia#more-info 👕

They tank you for supporting them to continue to support young people!

Still Loud. Now Leading: RAWD Launches As A Registered Charity

This July, RAWD launches as a registered charity – a bold new step in a decade-long journey of championing disabled creativity. RAWD launches with a programme of trailblazing events throughout Disability Pride Month. At a time when disabled people are facing mounting challenges through renewed cuts to welfare and essential services it’s more important than ever that disabled voices are turned up.

In a climate where rights are being rolled back, RAWD is doubling down on protest, pride and power. We’re not just celebrating, we are leading the change.

At the heart of RAWD’s Charity Launch is “Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You”, a radical new performance created in collaboration with award-winning Ugly Bucket Theatre. This urgent and electrifying show explores the history and future of disability protest – loud, physical, unapologetic.

“There’s no pride without protest. We’re becoming a charity not to play it safe – but to push further, shout louder, and platform our disabled artists who are changing the world.” – Alice Lapworth, RAWD Co-CEO and Creative Producer

Join RAWD this Disability Pride Month for a month-long programme of events across Merseyside and Cheshire, showcasing new work, co-creations, and the artists who’ve shaped RAWD’s evolution. This is more than a celebration. It’s a statement.

Events such as ‘Directing Difference’ feature disabled artists realising their own cutting edge creative projects. The short film showcase at Liverpool arts hub FACT features first time directors Sam Hooper and Alana Wadkin. Wadkin’s film was made possible through developing technology which helped her communicate her music video vision with RAWD collaborators.

Another highlight is a performance at Belle Vale’s Valley Theatre in partnership with Liverpool care organisation PSS (Person Shaped Support). The co-devised ‘My Way Highway’ is the result of RAWD artists exploring their personal visions of a more accessible world.

“At RAWD, it’s all about creativity, connection, and inclusion. We support people in finding their voice, growing in confidence, and leading change—on stage and in life. Our community is driving real impact, and as we grow, we’re only getting stronger in how we empower and support disabled people.” – Steffi Sweeney, RAWD Co-CEO and Artistic Director

RAWD’s charity launch programme begins with a special event at the Unity Theatre on 3rd July. Find out more and learn how you can support RAWD at rawdproject.co.uk.

RAWD (Random Acts of Wildness Disability) is a Liverpool based charity giving disabled people access to life through creativity, training and community.

RAWD Charity Launch Events

RAWD’s Charity Launch Night
Thursday 3rd July, 5–8pm – Unity Theatre, Liverpool
An evening of performances, previews and protest. Launching RAWD’s charity era in true RAWD style.
Tickets

Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You
In collaboration with Ugly Bucket Theatre
35 disabled performers. One stage. Inescapable truths and a call for change.

Saturday 5th July, 4pm & Monday 7th July, 7.30pm – Unity Theatre
Tickets

Wednesday 9th July, 7.30pm and Saturday 12th July, 2pm – Theatre Porto
Tickets

Tune In: RAWD Music at PSS
Monday 7th July, 1pm
Live performance of songs written over 12 weeks in residence with PSS.

My Way High Way
Friday 11th July, 1.30pm – PSS
A co-devised performance from RAWD’s in-house group at PSS.

Neurodiversity Cafe
Thursday 17th July at Unity, Liverpool
A co-devised performance from RAWD’s in-house group at PSS.

Directing Difference: Film Double Bill
Tuesday 22nd July at FACT, Liverpool
Two directorial debuts by RAWD Associate Artists:
“I Move, We Move” by Sam Hooper
“Everyone’s Bitchin’ About Al” by Alana Wadkin
Tickets on sale soon

Threads of Protest
Tuesday 29th July, 7.30pm at Storyhouse, Chester
Tickets on sale soon

RAWD Fundraiser
Thursday 31st July, 7pm at Future Yard, Birkenhead
With special guests, artists and surprises.
Tickets

New LivEveryPlay podcast from Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, starts 14 Jun ’25

LivEveryPlay is a podcast from Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, hosted by their Creative Director, Nathan Powell. It’s where playwrights, directors, actors and all creatives come together to talk theatre in all its forms, from backstage secrets to onstage magic.⁠
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In this very first episode, Nathan is joined by playwright Billie Collins, writer of The Walrus Has a Right to Adventure. They talk about the journey of a play, from the first idea to the final draft, and how The Walrus Has a Right to Adventure changed across eight versions before reaching the stage. Billie shares what it’s like to hand over work to a creative team and reflects on the question many writers face: “Am I the right person to tell this story?”⁠
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And of course, it wouldn’t be the podcast without a round of Either Or. What will Billie choose?⁠
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✅ Listen now on Spotify ⁠
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The Walrus Has a Right To Adventure by Billie Collins is running until 21 June.⁠
Tickets start at £11. Don’t miss it! ⁠

Drawing With Coal: UK – Poland solo exhibition by Jordan L Rodgers, The ArtHouse, Southport, starts 17 Jun ’25

Drawing With Coal: UK – Poland solo exhibition by Jordan L Rodgers (aka. Węglowy Artysta)

17^th June – 5^th July 2025

The ArtHouse, 65 Eastbank Street, Southport

Tues thro Fri 10.00 – 15.00 and Sat 11.00 – 16.00.

Keen eyed regional aficionados of contemporary art will already be familiar with the arresting gestural drama that characterise Jordan L Rodgers’ brutalist landscapes.

Jordan’s highly individual work bridges the cultural heritage of the UK and Poland and is driven by his deep fascination with industrial history and its preservation. Through bold compositions of line, tone and form, Jordan skillfully captures the raw energy of these landscapes by transforming their historical significance into visual narratives, each piece becoming a story in itself.

Originally from Liverpool, Jordan who is known in Poland as Węglowy Artysta, exploits his bravura technique to push the boundaries of traditional drawing through his innovative exploration of using coal as an artistic medium.

The modernist architecture and industrial landscapes of Poland have become key ingredients in Jordan’s output: “As someone who has found a home in both countries, I am drawn to the parallels between their histories. My time spent walking the coalfields of Upper Silesia, sketching the structures of collieries and immersing myself in these industrial environments has deepened my connection to Poland’s mining heritage. At the same time, I continue my work across the UK, documenting sites that reflect the country’s past.”

A 2012 graduate in Fine Art at Lancaster University, Jordan’s distinctive mark-making has recently been exhibited at the Editions Gallery in Liverpool and is included in this year’s Sefton Open now on at The Atkinson in Southport.

Previously showcased in both solo and group exhibitions, Jordan’s drawings have gained national and international recognition including the Aesthetica Art Prize, the 100 Contemporary Artists Anthology and Jerwood Drawing Prize.

Jordan is now gearing up for his latest solo exhibition at The ArtHouse in Southport: “Drawing With Coal: UK – Poland is a personal exhibition that interprets my journey through the industrial landscapes of both the UK and Poland. Through charcoal drawings created on-site, I explore the rich history of coal mining and shipbuilding, two industries that have shaped communities, economies and identities. This exhibition serves as both a tribute and a dialogue, honouring the resilience of workers and the lasting impact of industry on our cultural heritage”.

Key locations in Jordan’s investigations in the UK included the Lancashire Mining Museum at Astley Green and South Wales’ Cefn Coed Colliery Museum. In Poland Jordan also visited the historic Zabytkowa Kopalnia Ignacy in Rybnik and Park Tradycji in Siemianowice Śląskie: “Many of these former industrial sites are now protected as museums or Scheduled Monuments, preserving their cultural and historical significance for future generations. The Gdansk Shipyard, known for its pivotal role in Poland’s industrial heritage and its connection to global events like the Solidarity movement, offers a fascinating contrast to the history of Liverpool’s docks and port. These connections between two nations, shaped by coal, steel and the sea, resonate throughout my work”.

By combining historical, architectural and cultural influences within a single composition, Jordan’s treatment of multiple perspectives and manipulation of geometric shapes provides a flattened picture plane reminiscent of the linear Cubist mannerisms of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque.

As well as capturing the artistic exchange between two historically and culturally rich regions, Jordan intends ‘Drawing With Coal’ will offer more than the sum of its parts: “Beyond history, this exhibition is also about community. With an established Polish community in Southport and Liverpool, I hope to create a space where shared heritage can be reflected upon, remembered, and reimagined through art”.

Drawing With Coal: UK – Poland will be on display 17^th June – 5^th July 2025 at The ArtHouse, 65 Eastbank Street, Southport, Tues thro Fri 10.00 – 15.00 and Sat 11.00 – 16.00.

Save St James Library petition and event – Collective Encounters, held 16 Jun ’25

Abi (Co-Artistic Director at Collective Encounters) is currently working at St James Centre exploring creative ways to support their Save the Library campaign.

There will be a public sharing of the work, with poster making and soapbox moments on Monday 16th June 3pm – 5pm, all are welcome.

Visit www.collective-encounters.org.uk/events for more information and to sign a petition to help save this vital service.

The Culture Network LCR Celebrates a Transformative First Year of Growth and Impact

The Culture Network LCR CIC, the new membership organisation championing the Liverpool City Region’s arts and culture sector, is marking a milestone first year since launching in Spring 2024. With 65+ member organisations and growing, the network has quickly become a vital advocate for the region’s creative and cultural sector—driving collaboration, supporting economic growth, and expanding access to culture across the region.

A Year of Impact – At a Glance

65+ cultural member organisations and growing across the Liverpool City Region
£100 million+ contributed annually to the regional economy by member organisations
£87 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) from the sector to the local economy
11.6 million attendees reached across cultural events in the past year
1.2 million participants actively engaged in cultural programmes
33,500+ cultural events delivered by network members

Collectively, member organisations contribute over £100 million annually to the regional economy. With the inclusion of members Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool, this impact rises even more dramatically to over £800 million. The network’s members (excluding the listed universities) employ more than 2,000 full time equivalent cultural professionals, contributing over £87 million in Gross Value Added to the LCR economy. This employment figure doesn’t even include part time, freelance or commissioned creatives!

Over the past year, members attracted 11.6 million attendees and engaged 1.2 million participants across more than 33,500 cultural events. The network has grown by 47% since launching, expanding far beyond Liverpool city. Notably, 67% of members deliver programming in the surrounding boroughs, with 25% based in those areas, ensuring that access to arts and culture extends across the region.

The Culture Network LCR has formed five member-led working groups focusing on Strategy, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Access (EDIA), Joint Promotion, Metal’s Sustainability Network ‘Shift’, plus Participation & Skills. These groups have led initiatives that include hosting nine sector-wide roundtable discussions, engaging with the Culture Secretary during the Labour Party Conference, lobbying MPs and councillors on funding and policy issues, and contributing to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Civil Society Covenant.

“Our first year has shown the incredible power of collaboration across the region’s cultural and creative sector,” said Charlotte Corrie, Executive Director of The Culture Network LCR. “By speaking with one voice, networking and sharing resources, we’ve amplified our collective impact and are working hard to tackle major challenges together.”

“Arts & Culture is our bread and butter. We tell our story; we keep our city and the region on the map – locally, nationally, globally – that’s our superpower! Our city region’s culture speaks loud and proud—through our artists, our arts organisations, theatres, museums, galleries, film, comedy, music venues, and more.”

Connecting Audiences and Creating Opportunities

The network’s promotional platform, Uncover Liverpool, has become a key cultural resource—showcasing over 1,500 events, 500+ job opportunities, and more than 280 callouts for participation. A new purpose-built automated listings system is now live, enabling member organisations to have their events automatically added to the site—saving valuable time and ensuring consistent visibility for their programmes.

Across four network-wide gatherings—two in-person ‘Connects’ and two online ‘Catalysts’—over 680 attendees have come together to share ideas, spark collaborations, and build new partnerships.

Faye Dyer, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group said, “We’re really enjoying the increased connectivity, the shared voice, and the relevant, engaging updates from across the network.”

Zi Lan Liao, CEO of Pagoda Arts said, “It’s truly inspiring to see the shared knowledge and the unified voice we’re cultivating together. The opportunities we’re creating to connect, share, and grow are invaluable, and I’m so excited about what we can achieve in the future as culture organisations in Liverpool and the region.”

Looking Ahead

As it moves into its second year, The Culture Network LCR has announced plans to grow its reach and membership, plus support for members through areas like:

Peer-led training and mentoring opportunities
A comprehensive members directory

Meet The Network

To celebrate the collective strength and creativity of the network, member organisation First Take has produced a short film spotlighting the diverse arts and culture organisations that make up The Culture Network LCR.

Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/1092101121

Want to be part of a growing movement supporting arts and culture across the Liverpool City Region? Learn more and explore membership in the Culture Network LCR CIC Membership Pack here or visit culturenetwork.co.uk.

Community Post Type: News