When people think of Liverpool, they often think of football, The Beatles and of course, the well-known Liverpudlian sense of humour. However, while the city is right to be proud of all of the above, there is so much more to Liverpool.
Over the years I have seen something of dramatic transformation take place in the city. As a Mancunian, living just 40 minutes away, I rarely ventured over to the ‘pool’ at all. Not so these days – in fact I visit regularly and come to love it.
In particular, the city is now well and truly ‘on the map’ as far as its art scene is concerned. I’ve often visited simply to check out the absolutely brilliant array of galleries – from classic art at The Walker to more edgey independent works at The Open Eye.
It seems right therefore, that Liverpool is the host of the prestigious Biennial Contemporary Art festival. While I have dipped in to visiting Liverpool during the Biennial, I have never really immersed myself and so this year, I promised to attend the launch and have a good nosy at as much of the work as possible.
The Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art 2012 is now open (15 September to 25 November) and I have to say, it is a fantastic event. The variety of work on display and the way the city’s embraces the festival, really is something to be proud of. It works really well thanks to Liverpool’s size (you really can stroll from one gallery to another with ease) and yet there is enough scope to ensure plenty of contrast. The fab shops and very cool n cute eateries, makes the experience a huge pleasure. Try not to rush it though and, if you can, make a short break of it and stay at one of the city’s impressive boutique hotels.
The Biennial – facts….
The Biennial of Contemporary Art has been staged in the city since 1999. For ten weeks every two yeas Liverpool is host to an extensive range of artworks, projects and a dynamic programme of events. It is the largest international contemporary art festival in the UK.
Liverpool Biennial unfolds through a programme of exhibitions and projects that lead to a rediscovery of the city. Newly commissioned and existing artworks and projects are presented in diverse locations, including unusual and unexpected public spaces as well as the city’s galleries, museums and cultural venues. The cultural organisations in Liverpool work together in partnership to create an unparalleled context for the presentation of contemporary art and culture.
Liverpool Biennial commissions leading and emerging artists to make and present permanent and temporary public artworks as well as long-term community-based projects. There is an integrated research programme of learning, talks and events creating a dynamic year-round programme.
