The city’s commercial heart will be become home to an array of public art over the next five years, thanks to a new strategy launched by Liverpool Business Improvement District.
Spanning across some of the most visited spots in town, including Mathew Street and the Pier Head, it is hoped the regeneration of the area will encourage an increase in both businesses and leisure facilities.
Liverpool BID Company is a non-profit organisation which represents the interests of 1,500 local businesses.
Their plans will see a variety of artwork introduced across 11 shortlisted sites, including Old Hall Street, St Paul’s Square and Derby Square. Sculptures, modern urban, furniture and lighting will aim to increase interest in an area that the organisers believe is suffering from a lack of custom.
Chief executive of the company, Bill Addy, told JMU Journalism: “Following a public consultation, it became apparent to us that there is a real need for public art to add something positive to the area.
“We are committed to improving the areas we represent, and so the five-year strategy will make the district more attractive to work and dwell in – and hopefully be the catalyst for further development.”
For the project, they have partnered with the Liverpool Biennial of contemporary art, which is responsible for 300 new pieces by 450 artists from around the world.
Youtube: Evan Fyfe
Sally Tallant, director of the Biennial, told JMU Journalism: “We are thrilled to be working with Liverpool BID Company for this ambitious art project in the city’s public spaces.
“We aim to make art part of the fabric of the city, and working together will allow us to showcase and give the public more opportunities to experience fantastic, free art.”
Work is due to begin this spring across public areas, private property and ‘secret’ sites hidden from everyday view.
Crucially for the organisers, they will ensure all artwork fits in with the history and values of the location, much of which falls into a UNESCO World Heritage Site.