Community Post Type: News

A Historic Albert Dock toilet has reopened with a very different purpose, following a major refurbishment by National Museums Liverpool and RIBA chartered architects Harrison Stringfellow.

Hartley Hatch, which sits on Liverpool’s waterfront between Tate Liverpool and the Museum of Liverpool, is part of the historic Pilotage Building, formerly the Museum of Liverpool Life, and was once used as a toilet for dockworkers.

Now the former toilet has reopened with a different way for people to spend a penny, serving ice creams and snacks, following a creative refurbishment project to breathe new life into buildings across the Albert Dock.

Part of National Museums Liverpool’s Waterfront Transformation Project, the refurbishment provides an update to the interior of the Hatch, including an electricity supply, and key repairs to the structure of the building to help keep the building standing for future generations to enjoy.

Karen O’Connor, Director of Commercial Enterprises at National Museums Liverpool comments:

“Reviving Hartley Hatch offers us the opportunity to honour the rich history of Albert Dock whilst also providing an exciting new attraction for visitors. It’s a unique blend of the old and the new, offering a sweet treat with a side of history.”

Built between 1883 and 1890, The Pilotage comprised of offices and a rear store and boat shed. It was the headquarters of the Liverpool Pilot Service until 1978.  From 1993 the building was home to the Museum of Liverpool Life, before closing in 2006.

Hartley Hatch is open now on Liverpool’s Waterfront where visitors can enjoy Ice creams, drinks and other treats.

For more information on National Museums Liverpool’s redevelopment plans and the Waterfront Transformation Project, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/waterfront-transformation-project.

Autumn 24 Art Classes from dot-art. Make the most of that “back to school” feeling this autumn and get creative!

dot-art have 1, 2 and 3 day weekend courses as well as 10 week evening courses, all run by practicing artist tutors.

New venues for this season include the Museum of Liverpool and Sudley House, while they return to the Victoria Gallery, Bluecoat and Duke Street Market.

All courses are suitable for beginners and full details, prices and booking information can be found here: dot-art.co.uk/art-classes.

Time is running out—only 10 days left to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Liverpool Art Fair 2024 before it closes on Sunday, August 18th. Don’t miss your opportunity to explore this spectacular showcase at the historic Royal Liver Building, where over 200 local artists have been exhibiting and selling their stunning work since late June.

With free entry and opening hours from Tuesday to Sunday, 12-6pm, this is your chance to discover and take home a piece of Liverpool’s creative talent. Whether you’re an avid collector or a curious first-time buyer, there’s something for everyone, with art prices starting at just £20 and a substantial “Under £200” section. Every piece is priced under £2000, ensuring that great art is accessible to all.

On Thursday evening, after weeks of public voting, the winner of the People’s Choice award was announced. Landscape painter Hazel Thomson was the lucky winner, with Grant Searl and Lisa James named Runners Up.

Hazel received these fantastic prizes:

• Cass Art Vouchers and a 2 week exhibition at their Liverpool store
• Dinner, Bed and Breakfast at INNSiDE Liverpool and Gino’s Restaurant
• Artist Spotlight with The Guide Liverpool
• Family ticket to RLB360
• 1 year dot-art Membership

Also at the event, which was held in partnership with the BIPC (Business and Intellectual Property Centre), was “An Audience with Tabitha Jussa”, where the acclaimed local photographer shared insights into her career during an engaging conversation with BBC Radio Merseyside’s Claire Hamilton.

Lucy Byrne, Managing Director of organisers dot-art expressed her delight at the overwhelming response to the fair’s 10th anniversary edition:

“We’re thrilled by the incredible turnout. It’s been an absolute joy to see so many people, both locals and visitors, finding the perfect piece of art to take home. Sharing the news with artists that their work has sold—sometimes for the very first time—has been an unforgettable experience!”

The event’s major partner for 2024 is Liverpool Hope University who have been integral to the staging of this year’s fair. Liverpool BID Company have kindly supported though their Arts and Culture Fund, and the event is also sponsored by CBRE and Evelyn Partners; the team extend heartfelt gratitude for their support.

See: liverpoolartfair.com for more details.

BBC Sounds’ unique programme helps amplify the next generation of audio creatives and champions the growing UK podcast sector.

Launching in 2022, BBC Sounds’ Audio lab, returns for its third incarnation. The project has been specially designed to help support up-and-coming audio creatives, with the aim of advancing their creative development through building confidence and connection whilst enhancing their writing, recording, performance, and promotional skills.

Former alumni have seen great success, with an ARIA Gold award for Best New Podcast forged from the inaugural Audio Lab, and three nominations at this year’s British Podcast Awards. Black Gold is nominated for Best Climate podcast and there were two nominations for Sacred Money in the Business and Editor’s Choice ‘Specialist Award’ category.

Now four new creators from under-represented backgrounds have been chosen to turn their ideas into podcasts and BBC Audio Lab is delighted to announce that Hugh Sheehan, Mia Thornton, Jay Behrouzi-Sneade and Meg Elliot make up this year’s collective.

Hugh Sheehan is an audio producer and musician/composer originally from Birmingham. Much of his work explores questions around gender and sexuality, desire and shame, assimilation, and radicalism. In 2020 he was commissioned as a New Creative by BBC Arts and Arts Council England to make Lost Time – an audio short contemplating LGBTQ+ people’s experiences in getting to live life on their own terms.

Meg Elliot is a writer, zine-maker, and mountain biker from Shropshire. She is fascinated by story, folklore, and the way memory lives in landscapes. Meg co-creates a zine exploring nature through art and writing and is one half of The InBetween Collective, an international creative group sharing stories of culture, resistance and celebration. She has also worked on heritage projects across the UK investigating the social impact of environmental projects.

Mia Thornton is a creative producer currently based in Liverpool.  Mia is driven by a passion for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying Black voices.  She has worked on a wide range of creative projects for both global brands and community-based initiatives, showcasing her talent and versatility.

Jay Behrouzi-Sneade is a Filipino-Iranian journalist from Liverpool hailing from a long line of passionate cooks! Replicating global cuisine at home was a big part of her upbringing as a part of her a multi-heritage expat family in the United Arab Emirates.

Starting this month, the four successful applicants are taking the next steps in their creative journey, supported by professionals at BBC Sounds and from the wider podcast industry. As a collaborative, paid programme, the aim is that both the creators and BBC Sounds together foster and develop incredible talent. With advice and guidance from industry professionals, access to tailored resources, and tools and experiences to connect and collaborate, the BBC Sounds Audio Lab programme will help facilitate this cohort of emerging talent to take the next steps in their career. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, the quartet will be immersed in a unique accelerator programme backed by a comprehensive package of practical and professional training while embedded with one of Audio Lab’s production partners located across the UK.

Khaliq Meer, Audio Lab Commissioning Executive says: “It’s thrilling be at the starting line again with a new cohort of fresh talent – poised for a development experience like no other. It’s been a joy getting to know Meg, Mia, Hugh and Jay. We’ve teamed them up with some of the UK’s very best audio producers so they can be led and supported to realise their creatively ambitious ideas whilst growing their skillsets on-the-job. I can’t wait to press play on what they dream up. Best of luck Audio Lab Class of 2024 – you’ve got this!”

Working with Audio Lab’s production partner, Manchester Reform Radio, Mia Thornton’s successful podcast pitch will delve into how black culture has helped shape different music genres. Featuring archival content, covering pivotal moments in history, the impact on the global music landscape, as well as interviews with industry experts, musicians and cultural commentators. The podcast will offer an immersive journey through music history, with black voices at its core. From the soulful melodies of jazz to the defiant spirit of punk, and the innovative beats of techno, the podcast will showcase the resilience, creativity and influence of black musicians across genres, celebrating the rich tapestry of black musical heritage, whilst challenging stereotypes and amplifying underrepresented voices in the music industry.

Working with London Reduced Listening, Hugh Sheehan’s podcast will focus on lesser-known modern legal cases or pieces of legislation that concern the lives and rights of LGBTQ+ people in the UK. It will chronicle the legal proceedings and the events surrounding them, and explore how each have become a part of the struggle for queer liberation. As well as the specifics of the cases, each episode will act as a lens to explore more broadly the criminalisation of queerness and its societal ramifications.

Production partner, Cardiff Overcoat Media, will help facilitate Meg Elliot’s successful pitch, which hooks into the resurgence of a cult fascination with the ancient past and folk traditions; how our identities are formed – both as individuals and as communities, and how landscapes (and the communities held by them) inform – in part – a lot of what makes us ‘us’. The podcast will look at how we have largely lost celebrated connections to the landscapes we’ve grown up in – many ritual festivals have been lost, and the stories once collectively remembered have begun to fade. Meg will delve into the stories that remain waiting to be rediscovered, and this podcast will work as a larger project of remembering, of celebration and community-strengthening, grounded in connections to the physical landscape.

Working with production partner, BBC Audio North, Filipino-Iranian immigrant, Jay Behrouzi-Sneade, is hoping to reconnect with her heritage, by creating a positive, food-science documentary. Jay seeks to understand the chemistry of cooking. Each episode will explore a different chemical principle, experimenting with Filipino recipes, talking to guests, and discussing the British-Filipino experience. With the help of food-chemists, Jay hopes to understand the science behind a ‘dash of this and a sprinkle of that’ and how it works together to create the food she loves.

In addition to four multi-episode projects, Audio Lab is partnering with Multitrack, a charity working to raise awareness around diversity, equity and inclusion in the audio industry, by sponsoring its award winning 12-week Fellowship programme, supporting fourteen full-time paid placements, creating three additional part-time placements for producers outside of London, and helping fund two commissions for BBC Sounds.

Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) is excited to announce the launch of a transformative training programme designed for charities and not-for-profit organisations.

This programme offers numerous tailor-made courses that will empower trustees, staff and volunteers to maximise their impact, excel in fundraising and make sure their organisations are managed effectively.

This new programme also includes new online courses, designed to be flexible and affordable and designed to meet you where you are.

Elevate Your Organisation’s Impact

At LCVS, they understand the unique challenges that community groups face. Their new training programme is a testament to their commitment to support and elevate the not-for-profit sector. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, our courses are tailored to provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help your organisation thrive.

Examples of courses on offer include:

• Introduction to Fundraising
  Discover proven techniques and innovative strategies to boost your fundraising efforts and achieve your financial goals.
• How to Write Good Funding Bids
  Learn the art of crafting compelling grant proposals that capture the attention of potential funders.
• Social Media for Beginners
  Explore the latest digital tools and platforms to expand your reach and engage donors online.
• Write a Good Project Plan for your Organisation
  Create a robust plan that aligns with your organisation’s mission, and helps deliver success.
• Roles & Responsibilities of Board Members/Trustees
  This leadership and governance training will enhance your leadership capabilities and help you learn best practices for effective board governance.
• Recruiting & Managing Volunteers
  Attract, support, and retain dedicated volunteers who are passionate about your cause.
• Measuring Your Impact
  Measure your organisation’s impact and use data to inform decision-making and demonstrate success, getting you that next grant to keep your project going. Stay sustainable and effective with accessible guidance and support.

Why Choose LCVS?

For over a century, LCVS has been at the heart of Liverpool’s charitable community, providing unwavering support to local organisations. Their expert trainers bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector, ensuring you receive the highest quality training.

The LCVS fundraising support service has secured over £10m in grant funding for local organisations over the last 3 years alone. As a grant maker themselves, they also distribute £4m a year to good causes so know what it takes to both make a good application and what a grant assessor looks for in an application.

They also provide casework support to over 200 local groups a year, covering everything from start-up, good governance, finance and payroll, impact measurement and project design.

Explore our Full List of Training Courses:

Enhance your skills:

• Minute Taking
• Social Media for Beginners
• Recruiting & Managing Volunteers
• Roles & Responsibilities of Board Members/Trustees (Online)
• Measuring Your Impact (Online)

Attend our popular Start Up Workshops:

• 2024 | October | November
• 2025 | January | February | March | April | May | June
• July | September | October | November | December

Learn all things funding:

• Introduction to Fundraising
• How to Write Good Funding Bids
• Write a Good Project Plan for your Organisation (Online)

Learn how to apply to major funders:

• National Lottery Community Fund: Awards for All
• National Lottery Community Fund: Reaching Communities
• Steve Morgan Foundation
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

By enrolling in their training programme, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also bring invaluable benefits to your organisation. Empower your team, increase your impact, and ensure the longevity of your mission with LCVS.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your organisation’s operations and fundraising capabilities. Together, we can create a brighter future for our communities.

The Brain Charity to Launch the North West’s First Neurodiversity Arts Festival

The Brain Charity is proud to announce the Neurodiversity Arts Festival, a pioneering event that will be the first of its kind in the North-West. Running from 20 to 29 September 2024, this vibrant festival brings together all the major arts organisations in Liverpool to celebrate neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives, and creative expression, transforming Liverpool into a hub of creativity. The festival launch will be supported by well-known artists including Johnny Vegas and Ashleigh Nugent who will be discussing their experience of neurodiversity in the arts.

The festival aims to inform and educate the public about what neurodiversity means and open doors to improved accessibility for neurodivergent people in public spaces.

Festival Highlights:

• Artistic Showcases: New art commissions, theatre performances, musical acts, and cabaret shows, highlighting the rich diversity within the neurodivergent community.

• Educational Workshops and Talks: Sessions aimed at promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, led by experts and advocates.

• Partnerships with Prestigious Institutions: Collaborative events with Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Bluecoat, enhancing the festival’s reach and impact.

“We know that 15–20% of the population identify as neurodivergent,” said Festival Organiser, Chris Beaumont at The Brain Charity. “We believe the Neurodiversity Arts Festival will not only shed light on the diverse experiences and talents within this community, but also foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity across society to create lasting change.”

The festival will include composer and violinist Ruby Colley discussing her brand-new work Hello Halo at Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room with vocal ensemble Exaudi, based on Ruby’s non-verbal brother Paul’s alternative forms of communication. At Tate there will be a conversation with neurodivergent artists Becky Beasley, Sonia Boué and Pierce Starre with Claire Penketh, Professor of Disability Studies and Art Education at Hope University.

The Boy King, a one man show celebrating 100 years since the discovery of Tutenkhamun’s Tomb, by neurodivergent artist Jordan Connerty, in collaboration with RAWD, will be at the World Museum. Artists from Blue Room, the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project will take-over the Lush Liverpool store in a celebration of the power of creativity.

There will also be two comedy nights at the Brain Charity on Norton Street featuring Bliss Comedy and Disabilarity which will hand the mic to underrepresented voices in the world of comedy as well as offering an inclusive night for audiences who might not always feel comfortable in traditional comedy clubs.

As this is a charity initiative, they deeply appreciate any donations to help make this festival a success. Contributions will directly support the festival’s activities and the broader mission of The Brain Charity to provide emotional support, practical help, and social activities to those with neurological conditions.

Full listings for the festival are here: https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/neurodiversity-arts-festival/

A lot has unfolded in the city region and the entire country since Monday 29 July. Our thoughts are with the grieving families and everyone affected by the tragic event that took place.

The Culture Network LCR who power Uncover Liverpool have released the following statement:

The Culture Network LCR stands in solidarity with all communities affected by the recent riots. We condemn the violence. Racism and hatred have no place in our society, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable cultural environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

 The tragic events in Southport should not be used to incite hate and racism, our hearts and thoughts are still very much with the grieving families in our region.

We credit the below information with thanks to Liverpool Irish Festival, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Pagoda Arts Liverpool, and Heart of Glass.

What do we know?

Three children were killed in an attack at a Southport dance school on Monday 29 July 2024. They were: Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9), Bebe King (6) and Elsie Dot Stancombe (7). In total, a further eight people were injured including Leanne Lucas and John Haynes, both employees of the school. The attacker was a British-born teenager.

There was no connection with Southport Mosque, but racial hatred from far-right extremists took over a vigil intended for those harmed in Monday’s attacks. This involved police injuries, 27 hospitalisations and considerable damage to the mosque. Such bigoted violence is intolerable and deeply disrespectful to those grieving.

A six-day wave of violent unrest followed, fuelled by anti-immigrant fury and misinformation peaking over the weekend, and threatens to continue. Nearly 20 towns or city’s, saw rallies descend into riots with dozens of police officers injured and more than 100 people arrested.

These actions steal from communities, via the cost of defence, the clean up and the instability and distrust it causes.

On Wednesday 8 August there was a huge show of unity as thousands of anti-racism protesters took to the streets, with reports of over 25,000 peaceful counter protestors across the country coming together to protect immigration service centres.

Merseyside Police stakeholder briefing

The Merseyside Police issued a stakeholder briefing letter by email to colleagues at 8.30pm, Tue 6 Aug 2024. You can download it as a PDF, here. An additional press release details 13 arrests is viewable here. With thanks to Pagoda Arts for circulating the news.

Support Services

• For anyone needing support, there is 24/7 assistance available from Victim Support.
• The Anthony Walker Foundation runs additional services.
• Asylum services are available from Migrant Helpand you can call 0808 8010 503.
• If you need advice on talking to a child about witnessing a violent crime, or explaining what has happened, there is a guide here: LINK.
• Emotional and Physical Safety Resources – A catalogue of and platform for black-owned businesses in Liverpool by @blk.ownd.lpl.
• Migration Exchange have shared a blog with advice for organisations in the migration sector, and funders on what actions to take to protect communities from far-right violence.
• Hope not Hate have a list of community resources, and info on what you can do about anti-migrant protests, and have developed guides to online safety and security for temporary asylum accommodation, drawing on their work with organisations working in the refugee and migration sector – register to download on this link to Hope not Hate.
• NEON have comprehensive advice on messaging and framing communications at this time Far right violence, a messaging guide.
• Mental health & wellbeing support.
• Toxteth El8te – offer weekly Friday evening basketball sessions and summer camps, emphasising their commitment to nurturing a vibrant community spirit in Toxteth.

Fundraising

If you would like to support Spellow Lane Library, a target of the County Road atrocities, you can do so here. Additionally, here’s an update about the donations Spellow Library has received.

The Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Sefton Council and Sefton CVS, has activated an urgent fundraising appeal for all those affected by the recent knife attack in Southport. The Southport Strong Together Appeal, which has already received its first donation of £50,000 from the Liverpool ONE Foundation, will help to meet the immediate and longer-term needs of those affected.

Safe Spaces

Kitty’s Laundrette released this post post via Instagram to share that their laundrette is a safe space and a place for everyone.

Please get in touch with us at clare@culture.org.uk if you would like us to list your organisation/venue as a safe space in the Liverpool city region.

A Poetic Response To The Tragedy from Francisco Carrasco (LUMA Creations)

The Everyman’s 60th birthday celebrations continue with a special event, An Evening with David Morrissey on Thursday 24 October. A Liverpool native and alumnus of the Everyman Youth Theatre, David returns to the stage where his career began.

David Morrissey has enjoyed a long association with the Everyman; from discovering the youth theatre in his early teens, to appearing on stage in the title role of Macbeth in the Everyman’s final production at the old building before its redevelopment in 2011, and as a trustee for the charity which runs the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.

The Everyman Youth Theatre played a significant role in igniting David’s acting career. As soon as he stepped through those doors, David found a supportive space that provided a safe environment, fostering not only his passion for the stage but also valuable life skills and confidence. He also met the inspirational Roger Hill, the Everyman Youth Theatre organiser, a man with a punk spirit and unwavering belief in theatre’s power. Roger’s inclusive approach left a lasting impression on David and many of his peers.

The Actor, David Morrissey said:

“I am delighted to support the Everyman 60th Birthday Campaign. This theatre provided me and many others with the courage to follow our dreams and pursue a career in theatre and with our help can continue to do the same for many generations to come.”

As a director and actor, David has captivated audiences on both screen and stage, including The End Of History and Hangmen (Royal Court, London), Peer Gynt (National), Much Ado About Nothing (West End) and The Lover / The Collection (Theatre Royal Bath). His TV credits include Sherwood and The Deal, for which he won a Best Actor award from the Royal Television Society.

CEO for the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres, Mark Da Vanzo said:

“David Morrissey‘s highly-anticipated return to the Everyman stage for this very special event is a true homecoming. His phenomenal career began right here at the Everyman Youth Theatre and is a testament and encouragement to our theatre’s values – inspiring generations and championing new talent.”

To mark its 60th birthday, the Liverpool Everyman Theatre has partnered with Liverpool John Moores University to present the Ever Forward – Everyone Starts Somewhere exhibition. Running from Monday 19 August to Friday 13 December at Aldham Robarts Library, the exhibition delves into the Everyman’s rich history through fascinating archival materials, including items relating to renowned playwrights like Willy Russell, Alan Bleasdale and actor David Morrissey, himself an Honorary Fellow of the university.

An Evening with David Morrissey on Thursday 24 October, will be hosted by Helen Jones, the presenter of BBC Radio Merseyside. The evening will look back at David’s impressive career together with audiences and have a conversation with him in person. Tickets are £30, with all proceeds going towards the Everyman 60 Appeal to raise £60,000 for talent development.

Tickets are available at www.everymanplayhouse.com/whats-on/an-evening-with-david-morrissey.