Liverpool Bluecoat gives a platform to art inspired by city youngsters

Art inspired by the imagination of young people will take over the courtyard at Liverpool’s Bluecoat this summer.

Twin artists Simon and Tom Bloor have been working with youngsters aged five to 11 who are part of the venue’s Out of the Blue after school arts clubs which take place across the city.

The new public artwork, which will find a temporary home in the historic building’s front courtyard, is called Bluecoat Platform and is part of the UK wide Here and Now programme, a celebration of culture within communities as part of the 25th anniversary of the National Lottery.

The sculpture is inspired by structures the children created in workshops with the Birmingham-based pair and will be launched on LightNight on May 21. It will then be on show from May 22 to September 26.

Meanwhile with the city slowly emerging from the Coronavirus lockdown, the Bluecoat is also planning a programme of free events for families over the summer.

Performers will be auditioned and selected by a group of local families who will work with Bluecoat’s participation team to develop regular events including storytelling, music and comedy for kids, designed to engage children of all ages. The activities are supported by Liverpool City Council Mayoral Inclusive Growth Fund.

Above: Youngsters in a Simon and Tom Bloor workshop for Out of the Blue. Photo Brian Roberts

Top: Simon and Tom Bloor's design drawing for Bluecoat Platform

Betty Ritchie, Bluecoat’s participation manager, said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring Platform to Bluecoat, despite inevitable delays caused by the UK lockdowns. We can’t wait to see the work of our Out of the Blue children come to fruition on this project, and share this with our visitors in our historic courtyard.

“Simon and Tom’s previous work at Bluecoat has really captured our audience’s imagination and I’m sure their new sculpture will be especially popular with families and offer much needed outdoor entertainment this summer.”

The artists previously exhibited at the School Lane arts venue in 2017 as part of the group show Abacus.

Bluecoat Platform will be at the venue from May 22 to September 26.