Liverpool launches £200,000 fund for outdoor performance

A £200,000 pilot project to stage performances and art in outdoor public spaces is being launched in Liverpool.

The city council and Arts Council England have collaborated to launch the fund as the latest stage in the Liverpool Without Walls initiative to support businesses reopening after the coronavirus lockdown.

Museums and galleries are starting to reopen while outdoor public performances are now allowed.

But while indoor performances are set to start again from August 1, strict social distancing and Covid-safe rules mean it is unlikely many theatres and other entertainment venues will be in a position to stage normal productions or events for some time.

The new fund, which will offer grants of up to £5,000, will support artists and organisations based in Liverpool to create work which can be presented within the city centre over the coming months.

Claire McColgan, Director of Culture for Liverpool, said: “When lockdown started our extraordinary culture sector moved with speed and imagination to create brilliant work which could be shared digitally.

Above: Street theatre during LightNight Liverpool

Top: A flashmob performs in the city during Sgt Pepper celebrations in 2017

“This fund has been created to once again tap into their ingenuity and to come up with ideas for how to reimagine their artforms on the streets of Liverpool.

“We’re renowned for producing brilliant outdoor performance in this city, so I’m excited to see what the sector come up with.”

And Catherine Mitchell, Director North for Arts Council England, added: “The Covid-19 crisis has hit the sector hard and it’s great to be able to give artists financial support to create new work to inspire and engage audiences across the city.

“I look forward to seeing what Liverpool’s artistic community produce for the local audiences.”

Organisers say applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis until all the funding is allocated.

More details HERE