Message of hope at Liverpool Cathedral in public art campaign

Liverpool Cathedral is hosting the latest work in the city’s ongoing Very Public Art campaign.

From Now On, which is on show outside the cathedral until 6pm on Monday, is made up of donated items which people associate with the pandemic, from poignant tributes to loved ones lost to Covid to things representing lockdown activities like baking and exercising.

They have been brought together to spell the word ‘hope’.

Liverpool creatives Travelled Companions worked with community groups on the project, exploring people’s personal pandemic experiences while artist Eilidh Bryan designed the resulting artwork of donated items.

Very Public Art, a Culture Liverpool initiative with Arts Council support, aims to encourage people to rediscover the city. Previous works have included And These Birds Can Sing in the garden at St Nicholas’ Church, a giant pop-up story book in Chinatown and Mersey Sounds, a 40ft tall copper megaphone on the waterfront.

Travelled Companions specialises in creating original, imaginative and engaging theatre for young audiences.

Meanwhile From Now On was facilitated by Visit Hope Street CIC.

CIC chairman Michael Eakin says: “We’ve been moved, amazed and amused by the donations and their stories. From Now On is part of our work to promote and animate Hope Street and it's a fabulous project to be involved in.”

The Dean of Liverpool, the Very Rev Dr Sue Jones, adds: “Visitors to our Peace Doves this year showed us how the pandemic has affected everyone across the Liverpool City Region, and we heard many moving stories of people’s experiences.

“So I know Liverpool Cathedral is a massively appropriate venue for this moving exhibition and we look forward to welcoming visitors to engage with the range of ways the pandemic affected them and the life of this city.

“It’s important we continue to engage with our experiences of these challenging times as we look with hope into the future.”