Community Post Type: News

ArtsGroupie CIC is a Liverpool-based community interest company dedicated to promoting and expanding access to the arts and preserving local heritage across the North West and beyond.

We develop our own touring theatre and music productions in collaboration with local artists, championing regional talent and bringing performances directly to overlooked areas. Alongside our stage work and street theatre, we facilitate shadow puppetry, creative writing and spoken word educational workshops for adults and children in schools and community hubs.

Our projects tackle social issues, promote wellbeing, and champion representation for groups such as women, older people, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Deeply rooted in Liverpool’s rich history, our extensive heritage work spans public historical research, community-led engagement, and specialist walking tours that celebrate the city’s forgotten stories while actively funding our wider community initiatives.

Learn professional, practical methods to safeguard your precious home history, local treasures, and community memories.
Part of the “Hearts of Gold – Sefton at 50” Heritage Funded Project.

LIMITED SPACES: Book Your Place Here – https://bit.ly/4whoRlI

River of Light – the iconic light art festival – will return to the streets of Liverpool this autumn under the theme of ‘Together’.

Between 23 October – 1 November, tens of thousands of visitors will once again explore the city and experience the giant outdoor art gallery, which has become a staple of Liverpool’s annual events calendar since 2018.

This year’s trail is set to be bigger and better than ever as River of Light partners with Liverpool ABID to expand into new locations. Artworks will move beyond the waterfront and spread across the city centre, with new sites including Williamson Square and St Pauls Square.

All artworks commissioned for 2026 will use light to bring people together in a joyful way, and details of the first three artworks have now been unveiled – all of which are European or UK premieres. The wider programme of artworks will be announced in the coming weeks.

POP! by Gentilhomme (presented by QDSinternational) is a collective experience made up of five monoliths hiding playful inflatable puppets: POPO, POPUP, POPLI, POPETTE and POPOTIN. To wake them up and release them, participants must talk to them, clap or even sing, working together to persuade them to come alive. As the characters emerge, sound, light, and movement transform the space into a vibrant, musical, and luminous celebration.

Dream Herd by Amigo and Amigo is a playful and interactive installation, offering a tongue-in-cheek interpretation of counting sheep. Each sheep’s leg is designed to be interactive, illuminating new lights and triggering unique sounds, inviting participants to engage with this whimsical dreamscape. As visitors interact, their collective actions create a mesmerising cloud of light and sound, symbolising the shared experience of dreaming together.

LOOP by Olivier Girouard & Jonathan Villeneuve (presented by QDSinternational) is made up of six giant ‘zoetropes’ that bring short flipbook-style films to life through movement, light and sound, bringing audiences together as a connected community. In a first of its kind collaboration, creator Olivier Girouard will work with British Sri Lankan multi-disciplinary artist MURUGIAH on a bespoke version of the installation, creating a brand-new animation especially for River of Light.

For more details, visit here

Physical Fest is Liverpool’s international festival of contemporary physical theatre, celebrating some of the world’s most exciting visual and movement-based performance.

The week-long celebration brings bold new work from across the globe to the North for the first time, and is produced by Tmesis Theatre – a female-led company from Merseyside, with a diverse international ensemble, passionate about physical theatre.

As part of the vibrant seven-day schedule of performances, workshops and events, Tmesis will also be sharing a first-look at their new show, Demonology – a collaboration with acclaimed Liverpool-based writer Lizzie Nunnery, set in in a remote village in 1590 beset by witches.

Launching on Monday 7th September, Physical Fest 2026 will occupy Liverpool’s home of radical theatre – the Unity – for a full week of performances, whilst workshops, talks & debates will take place at Arts Bar Studios on Hope Street.

Established in 2005, Physical Fest is one of only two dedicated physical theatre festivals in the UK and attracts participants from all over the world with it’s diverse programme – shining a light on physical theatre in all its forms.

The performance programme begins on Tuesday 8th September in the company of renowned director, performer and theatre maker, Peta Lilly. Their show Ungirlfriended is full of poignant moments, hilarious twists and snazzy outfits – as wannabe woke ‘cis-het-straight-white-man’ Parker Dee battles back from heartbreak with quirky takes on pop standards and killingly witty original songs.

The following night brings Japanese visual artist Izumi Ashizawa to the Unity stage for “Kurogo Me, Together!” – a piece of participatory performance art where the audience is invited to make the performer “invisible” by putting on the Kurogo costume pieces.

Thursday sees a Double Bill of Clowning, whilst on Friday local playwright Lizzie Nunnery and Tmesis Theatre themselves present Demonology – a powerful new exploration of the stories we inherit and the ones we tell, set in in a remote village in 1590 beset by witches.

The programme at Unity is brought to a fitting close on Saturday 12th September with a Double Bill of pioneering physical theatre shows – a kinetic, cinematic storytelling performance from Zoe McWhinney, Upon A Stale Sun – followed by Pesadilla, a visually breathtaking fusion of dance, circus and physical theatre choreographed by Italian-Belgium choreographer Piergiorgio Milano, that follows an ordinary man trapped inside his own dreams, desperately fighting to stay awake.

Running concurrently is Physical Fest’s programme of Learning and Participation, taking place at The Arts Bar Studios on Hope Street and packed with energy, mischief and world-class talent. From Commedia and Clown to Ensemble work, Japanese performance and even stage diving, this year’s line-up invites artists to get stuck in, take risks and rediscover the joy of physical performance. This is a rare chance to train, play and connect with some of the most exciting practitioners around, happening right here in Liverpool from 7th – 12th September.

For full details and line-up, visit here

The International Festival of Glass returns in 2026 — and for the first time in its history, it comes to the North West of England. Taking place from 27–31 August, IFoG will bring thousands of people to St Helens, and will feature a mix of masterclasses, demonstrations, lectures, exhibitions, and other activities.

IFoG was launched in 2004 to create an internationally renowned, vibrant festival celebrating glassmaking with an atmosphere of inspiration, social inclusion, and lively cultural exchange.

From 2026, the festival is proudly led by the Glass Art Society (GAS).

The theme of the 2026 Festival is ‘Local Innovation | Global Inspiration’ — encapsulating GAS’s mission to showcase how UK-based and international glass artists are paving the way for a glassy future, while highlighting the significance of glass development within St Helens, both historical and contemporary.

Key Dates & Public Opening Hours

Pre-Festival Masterclasses – Before 27 August (at The World of Glass and Manchester Metropolitan University)

Full Festival Programme – Thursday 28 – Monday 31 August 2026

Exhibitions – 28 August – 1 November 2026

For more information and the full line-up, visit here

‘Create It Together’

SCA’s Kaleidoscope Arts Mixed-Classes Group Exhibition

ArtHouse, Eastbank Street, Southport PR8 1EJ

18^th August – 5^th September 2026

After another outstanding year for solo exhibitions, the ArtHouse in Southport will be playing host to Southport Contemporary Arts’ keenly anticipated mixed-classes group exhibition this autumn.

The SCA network began in 2009 and was set up to embrace the fact that Southport is home to a host of different art practitioners working across a broad variety of disciplines.

This year’s showcase at the ArtHouse is now able to draw upon the diverse range of SCA’s current weekly taught art classes and workshops – Kaleidoscope Arts – that continues to attract a wide selection of Sefton artists and designers to its well equipped studios at ArtsLoft and ClayWorks in the town centre.

Aimed at nurturing the creative talents of the individual, although each class is taught the same skills, it is the way in which each artist then goes on to apply them in their own work that is important.

As Norrie Beswick Calvert, one of the SCA directors, emphasizes: “We are really proud of the developments that our students make and seeing their individuality shine through is an added bonus”.

Since its inception SCA has annually gone from strength to strength, adding the ClayWorks studio in May 2016 in response to the need for local artists who wanted to work with clay.  In April 2017, the suite of craft studios above ClayWorks – ArtsLoft – was set up to deliver hands-on participation across a wide range of art and craft based workshops.  In accord with its all-embracing policy to engage with as many local artists and practitioners as possible, a stair lift was added to provide full access to the first floor studio space.

Deliberately keeping the groups small and informal, the convivial classes cater for beginners, improvers and experienced creatives alike.

Amanda Clark-Price’s popular Mixed-Media classes offer a variety of new challenges and ideas to explore: “I really enjoy teaching the Mixed- Media drawing and painting classes. It is a lovely, supportive group with a mixture of abilities and experiences. It isn’t a course as such. We cover pencil, soft pastels, pen and ink, watercolour and acrylic paint, collage – also various printing techniques. We work on experimenting with materials and techniques and learning together – it’s lovely to see people becoming more confident as they progress and their work develops”.

Rena White, who attends on Tuesdays, enjoys rising to the weekly challenges: “The sessions are fun, friendly and supportive without any pressure. Members of the class have different interests and skills so we can also learn from each other and suggest new areas we might like to explore. 

Rena’s own floral composition, on show at the exhibition, was a typically taxing test using assemblage: “I’m new to creating backgrounds and using collage. The flowers in my vase were left over from an earlier collage based on Frida Kahlo’s headdress.  I added a few extra elements and decided to make what I hoped was a simple, casual arrangement in a short ‘dumpy’ vase rather than an elegant formal arrangement”.

Linda Hawksley from Tarleton who attends Jo Landy’s Creative Textile class, is equally enthusiastic: “This is a great group for anyone who loves textiles and wants to explore using them in various art forms.  It’s for those of us who just ‘like to have a go’ and try something new.  Led by an inspirational textile artist with plenty of encouragement from talented, friendly members.”

A well-known local textile artist from Formby, Jo confirms: “The Creative Textile class is a joy to teach – all abilities are catered for and the class members derive a great deal of inspiration and encouragement from each other. We cover all aspects of textiles including print, stitch, felt making and heat techniques and it is lovely to see new skills being learned and translated into finished pieces. Everyone works at their own pace and they continue to surprise me with very individual and quality work”.

Regular attendee, Lee Samuels from Southport, is likewise enjoying the experience: “I love coming to Jo’s textile class, she’s a wonderful tutor who inspires us all in so many ways. I’ve learnt so much and achieved many different skills. I enjoy spending time with a great bunch of women who are all very supportive of each other” mouth-wateringly adding “we also have lovely cake!”

Each Friday afternoon there is an Adult Autism Friendly Art Class led by mixed-media artist from Banks, Linda Heavon. Built around nurturing creative skills in adults that have Autism spectrum challenges, each student is supported to freely experiment using a variety of methods as well as promoting positive interaction with the group as a whole.

“The Autism Friendly guys have been exploring different media this year” explains Linda. “Getting out of our comfort zone is never easy, swapping watercolours for lino printing, acrylics for oil pastels, using stamps and making collages from the papers we’ve marbled is maybe just the beginning of a new way of creating for us – watch this space”.

Monday’s popular Painting Pastime class is led by Becky Atherton: “The Painting Pastime class enables the group to explore their own practice, develop skills, find their own identity and interests within the art world. Exploration, confidence, learning new skills, making friends and being part of a creative, supportive group are the main aim of the class”.

Described as a “friendly group where art and socialising lead to the creation of inspired paintings” students are unanimous in their praise for the activity: “Southport Painting Pastime has for me opened up the creative possibilities when using acrylics and the possibility of a mixed media approach” and “my confidence and competence as a painter have really improved since attending the class”.

Some of the most popular classes occur at ClayWorks, SCA’s dedicated fit-for-purpose ceramics studio. Timetabled classes are scheduled twice-daily weekdays and delivered by a team of skilled potters. Students across the week are encouraged to exploit a wide range of making and decorating methods, including coiling, slab building, casting, throwing and glazing.

Merv Thomas, who has been potting off and on since 1960, currently manages the studio and overseas a couple of the classes: “Our students are from all walks of life. Some are looking to develop new skills whilst others are seeking to hone their existing expertise, all in a safe friendly environment. Mindfulness and managing the stresses of everyday life are also important to many of our students”.

Southport potter, Alice Odgers, who has previously worked as a ceramics instructor in summer camps in America and Canada, also looks after several of the ClayWorks’ classes: “Being part of a network of people expressing themselves through creativity is amazing. Our sessions and its members are diverse, each with their own pottery styles and abilities. It’s great to see the students work with one another, to see ideas grow and confidence flourish during our pottery sessions, which is reflected in the works on display.”

Concluding: “If you’re thinking of making a start on, or developing your skills, why not think about joining one of our small group, friendly sessions and let your creativity fly!”

More information about SCA’s current series of workshops and classes can be found at www.sca-network.co.uk or by emailing to arthousesca@gmail.com.

‘Create It Together’ is a celebratory exhibition and sale of work that certainly confirms the diversity and resourcefulness of these talented homegrown artisans. SCA’s Kaleidoscope Arts Mixed-Classes Group Exhibition will be on display at the ArtHouse, Eastbank Street from 18^th August – 5^th September 2026.  The gallery is open Tuesday – Friday 10.00-15.00.  Saturday 11.00-16.00.

A pioneering community-led research project, exploring the hidden financial networks that underpinned Britain’s involvement in transatlantic slavery, will launch at Museum of Liverpool on Sunday 23 August 2026, UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

The launch will bring together internationally recognised historians, researchers and reparative justice advocates to examine how underwriting and insurance helped make the trafficking of enslaved Africans financially safer for investors and more profitable for merchants.

Overwriting-Underwriting is the first pilot of the £1 million Connector Project, an initiative of National Museums Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum, funded by Lloyd’s Register Foundation.

Professor Verene Shepherd, a leading international authority on the histories and legacies of transatlantic slavery, will deliver the keynote address, reflecting the 2026 UNESCO theme, “Ending Slavery’s Legacy of Racism: A Global Imperative for Justice”.

Tickets are available to book here.

Liverpool’s leading creative industries place-based CIC completes key appointments following a period of renewed growth, strengthening its capacity to support Liverpool City Region’s creative and digital sector while preparing for future expansion.

Baltic Creative CIC has completed a series of strategic appointments as the organisation enters its next phase of growth, welcoming George Barclay as Head of Property, Jo Austin Greer as Head of Communications and Partnerships, and Ros Whiteley-Jones as Office Administrator.

The appointments mark the completion of a significant period of organisational development that has seen Baltic Creative strengthen its leadership, return to strong financial performance, restore occupancy across its estate to almost full capacity and expand its programme of business support, sector advocacy and creative industry events.

Established in 2009, Baltic Creative CIC was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: to create affordable, asset-locked workspace where Liverpool City Region’s creative and digital businesses could grow without being displaced by the regeneration they helped create. Today, the organisation manages around 85,000 square feet of creative workspace while reinvesting all surplus profits back into its buildings, programmes and community, ensuring commercial success delivers lasting social impact for the creative sector.

Over the past two years, Baltic Creative has continued to evolve, strengthening its role as a champion for the creative industries through initiatives including the nationally recognised Bloom Business Festival, the year-round Bloom Talks programme and partnerships spanning education, business and creative industries.
The three appointments were established to support that continued growth and ensure the organisation has the expertise and capacity to deliver its long-term ambitions.

George Barclay joins as Head of Property, bringing more than a decade of commercial property experience, most recently as Head of Property, Facilities Management and Operations at Sciontec Developments. He will lead Baltic Creative’s property portfolio, helping develop high-quality, sustainable workspaces while supporting future expansion opportunities across the Liverpool City Region.
Jo Austin Greer joins as Head of Communications and Partnerships, bringing more than 20 years’ experience across marketing, enterprise and the arts. Having previously run her own consultancy, led marketing for Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation DaDa and spent 13 years at The Women’s Organisation, she will lead Baltic Creative’s communications, partnerships and sector advocacy, strengthening the organisation’s voice while building new opportunities for collaboration across the creative industries.

Ros Whiteley-Jones joins as Office Administrator, bringing extensive experience across the maritime, healthcare and hospitality sectors. She will support the day-to-day coordination of the organisation, helping ensure tenants, partners and visitors continue to receive the warm, responsive welcome that sits at the heart of the Baltic Creative community.

Lynn Haime, CEO of Baltic Creative CIC, said:
“Our team passionately care about creating an amazing place for the creative businesses who call Baltic Creative home. The last few years have been about building a strong, resilient organisation that can sustain that community and advocate strongly on their behalf. We’ve strengthened our financial position, invested in our spaces, expanded our business support offer and developed a clear vision for where Baltic Creative goes next.

“These appointments are the final piece of that puzzle. George, Jo and Ros each bring a wealth of experience, but just as importantly they share our belief that great places are built around people and community.

“Together, they’ll help us continue supporting the creative businesses already based here while giving us the capacity to develop new partnerships, new opportunities and, ultimately, create space for even more creative businesses to thrive across the Liverpool City Region.”

The appointments come as Baltic Creative continues to build on its reputation as one of the UK’s leading examples of creative-led regeneration. As an asset-locked Community Interest Company, every surplus generated is reinvested into its buildings, business support and wider creative community, ensuring long-term value remains rooted in the place and the people it serves. With new development opportunities under consideration and growing demand for affordable creative workspace, the strengthened team positions the organisation for the next stage of its journey.

This August sees a brand new sound installation from performers Rie Nakajima and Pierre Berthet at Bridewell Gallery.

Rie & Pierre have been working together under the project ‘Dead Plants and Living Objects,’ touring and staging installations for 10 years and this will be their first time in Liverpool.

They will be joined by dancer and choreographer Rosie Terry Toogood, staging a solo performance titled ‘An Homage To Blue Velvet,’ embodying various characters from David Lynch’s classic thriller.

More details of the event and to book on please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.com/soundobjects/sound-objects-rie-nakajima-pierre-berthet-rosie-terry-toogood/e-zpdjme

Rie and Pierre are also running family friendly workshops with At The Library on Tuesday 4th August. More info and booking here: https://atthelibrary.co.uk/whats-on/event/now-playing-motor-music-with-rie-and-pierre