The Liverpool Plinth brings new sculpture to Liverpool’s iconic skyline
Liverpool is set to welcome a compelling new sculpture to its iconic skyline, exciting plans have been revealed today.
Liverpool BID Company, in collaboration with Liverpool Parish Church, has commissioned city gallery and art organisation, dot-art, to give local artists a unique opportunity to have their work showcased on The Liverpool Plinth – an empty platform which overlooks Chapel Street and the waterfront at the side of the church, also known as St Nick’s.
In a move to fulfil one of the pledges in the BID’s business plan for Commercial District – to create a public art programme that will serve to enrich the experience of those visiting and working in the area – The Liverpool Plinth will host a new sculpture every 12 months. As well as the fantastic exposure and publicity given to the artist and their work, they will also receive a £1,000 prize!
The unveiling of the first piece of art is scheduled for spring 2018.
Lucy Byrne, managing director of dot-art, said:
“The Liverpool Plinth at St Nick’s Church has been empty for several years and so we’re delighted that Liverpool BID Company and Liverpool Parish Church have commissioned us to bring a thrilling piece of new art to this beautiful area of the city.
“This is also a great chance for established and up-and-coming sculptors in the north to be able to showcase their works in a very prominent part of Liverpool. We look forward to seeing the submissions.”
Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company, said:
“It is a key role of Liverpool BID Company to animate, attract footfall and encourage locals and visitors to use the businesses within the areas we represent, and The Liverpool Plinth will do just that.
“This project will also raise the profile of Liverpool Parish Church – without a doubt one of the city’s most beautiful buildings – and provides a fantastic opportunity for sculptors in the region to make a name for themselves.
“Of course, it also brings new public art to the heart of the business community on an annual basis – providing something for businesses and residents to appreciate and enjoy.”
The Revd Dr Crispin Pailing, rector of Liverpool, said:
“There is a long history of the church helping the arts to flourish. Art does not have to be explicitly religious to connect with people’s spirituality. We see this as an opportunity to help animate the city, and for those who engage with the sculpture to experience new horizons.”
The Liverpool Plinth, in the mould of Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth, occupies a prominent position overlooking Chapel Street and the waterfront. It has lay empty since the removal of Brian Burgess’s “Christ on a Donkey” several years ago.
Sculptors living or working in the north of England (North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber) are asked to submit existing work for consideration before the closing date of January 7, 2018, at no cost. All delivery and installation costs for the winning artist will also be covered.
To find out more information, please visit dot-art.co.uk/the-
For more information about Liverpool BID Company, please visit www.liverpoolbidcompany.