Inaugural Liverpool Sculpture Prize launched

Liverpool BID and the city’s Parish Church have launched a new sculpture prize to create a piece of work to go on show at the historic waterfront site.

The competition, which is open to artists from across the UK, comes with a £2,500 prize fee and will see the winning work displayed publicly for 12 months – either on the Chapel Street plinth or in the church gardens.

The closing date for applications is April 8.

A judging panel made up of people from within the arts, business and creative communities will then choose the winning entry, and it will be unveiled to the public in June.

Liverpool BID Company chief executive Bill Addy said: “We have a long running commitment to public art, and it’s a vital ingredient in everyday life in Liverpool. We wanted to develop a sustainable prize that would be open to artists across the country, and we’re excited to see the submissions we receive.

“We’re looking for artwork that is thought provoking, animating and that will catch the eye of those who walk past.”

And Rector of Liverpool, the Rev Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, added: “Our ambition with the Liverpool Sculpture Prize is that it attracts artists both young and old to submit their work.

“We know that the opportunities for exhibition for artists, particularly sculptors, are increasingly few and far between, especially in the public realm.

“This prize is designed to provide real support and ambition to promote artists who need it.”

The Liverpool Plinth contest for artists from the North West, a collaboration between the BID Company, Parish Church and dot-art, has previously been held at the site.

More information about the Liverpool Sculpture Prize HERE