Hard Times: Creative Liverpool in times of Crises
The Bluecoat, 16th April 2011, 1-4pm
Strongly identified with its cultural heritage, creativity and cultural institutions (which were spectacularly highlighted during its year as European capital of culture in 2008), Liverpool has undergone various transformations and managed to regenerate even in the face of economic hardship. ‘Hard Times: creative Liverpool in times of crises’ will explore the impact of economic crises on the creative landscape of the city and provide a platform for the creative sector to discuss interventions and new directions.
This half-day public event organised by the University of Liverpool’s Culture and Creativity Research Network (CCRN) is part of Liverpool’s City of Radicals programme and will be held at the Bluecoat on Saturday April 16th at 1pm. Introducing this timely and significant occasion will be none other than one of Liverpool’s true modern radicals, the acclaimed alternative comedian, actor and writer, Alexei Sayle. Alexei will be reflecting upon his experiences of the previous economic recession in the 1970s and ‘80s and will be offering his views on the lessons that can be learnt from this time.
Following this between 2 and 4pm, the event will feature a panel discussion that comprises a range of people from many of the area’s major cultural institutions, as well as individual artists and practitioners. Contributors will be engaging with questions from the audience on a variety of issues regarding the future of creative work on Merseyside. The ensuing discussion and the event in general will examine the ways in which artists and practitioners are planning to meet the challenges of the current economic crisis and will explore avenues for collaboration.
Confirmed panel members and contributors include: Bec Fearon (Bluecoat); Patrick Henry (OpenEye Gallery); Lewis Biggs (Biennial); Ruth Gould (Da Da Festival) and Professor Roger Shannon (Edge Hill University).
The event also features a book stand ran by Liverpool’s radical book shop, News from Nowhere, and Alexei Sayle will be signing copies of his autobiography Stalin Ate My Homework after the panel discussion.
This is a FREE event open to all. However, please contact Dr Nedim Hassan by emailing ned1973@liverpool.ac.uk to reserve a place at what is sure to be a popular event. Alternatively contact the Bluecoat information line on 0151 702 5324.