Liverpool’s centre for the contemporary arts
MAR / APR / MAY / JUN 2019
Welcome
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Welcome to our spring season at Bluecoat, which has been shaped around the ways in which we form bonds with each other through art and culture. We believe it’s essential that we look for ways in which we can connect through the arts and support one another to think and act creatively.
Giving artists space to experiment, make connections with new communities and have time to develop ideas is essential to their work. In April we’re pleased to host Chinar Shah from Bangalore, India as artist in residence, as she develops her ideas around feminism and global politics.
Our Survey exhibition demonstrates the bond between early career and established artists. The exhibition showcases work by 15 of the most exciting early career artists today, nominated by 35 established artists including Rachel Maclean and Ryan Gander. The support of experienced practitioners can be vital to artists’ early careers. In turn new, often experimental, practices are essential to the liveliness of the culture we enjoy.
New writing has a long history at Bluecoat, and this spring we welcome back WoWFest, Writing on the Wall’s annual literature festival.
The connection between artists and audiences can also be lasting and memorable. In March, Jo Blowers, Paula Hamspon and Mary Prestidge present Moving Dialogues, a day-long event to discuss their recent work engaging communities through dance. This event is part of the final year of our pioneering New Dance programme, INHABIT We continue working with new audiences off-site. In Where the Arts Belong, a group of artists have been commissioned to create workshops and experiences for residents of Belong Villages, innovative residential facilities providing dignified house and care for older people including those on a dementia journey.
Our family programme continues to offer artistic opportunities for families. Join in with one of our monthly workshops, share a laugh at the Funny Looking Kids Comedy Club or start your little one on their cultural journey with our ever-popular Baby Book Club. Enabling us to connect with each other is one of the essential qualities of art, whether through an exhibition that inspires us, a poetry reading that moves us or a dance performance that revitalises us. Our new programme prioritises these qualities, which we look forward to sharing with you this spring.
Mary Cloake Bluecoat Chief Executive
Exhibitions
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Survey Presented by Jerwood Charitable Trust Sat 13 Apr - Sun 23 Jun Free Open daily 11am-6pm Featuring: Chris Alton | Simeon Barclay | Hazel Brill | Flo Brooks | Emma Cousin | Joe Fletcher Orr | Tom Goddard | Ashley Holmes | Lindsey Mendick | Nicole Morris | Milly Peck | Anna Raczynski | Will Sheridan Jr | Rae-Yen Song | Frank Wasser
and Related Events
Survey is a major exhibition presenting new works by 15 early-career artists from across the UK, spanning a breadth of disciplines including film, performance, ceramics, installation and painting. Artists have been selected from nominations made by over 50 established artists including Ryan Gander, Andy Holden and Rachel Maclean, representing different regions across the UK. The final selection has been made by Sarah Williams, Head of Programme at Jerwood. The exhibition forms a partnership with Jerwood, g39 (Cardiff) and Baltic (Gateshead), organisations dedicated to supporting artists and showing new work. The exhibition will include a family workshop by Lindsey Mendick (details on page 5), an artist talk by Simeon Barclay, and a performance on the opening evening by Ashley Holmes. Fri 12 Apr 6pm Exhibition launch Performance: Ashley Holmes, Good to Us 7pm Join us from 6pm as we launch our new exhibition, Survey, in the gallery. At 7pm, artist Ashley Holmes will perform Good to Us, a live presentation developed from a written adaptation of African American writer, music critic and poet, Amiri Baraka’s poem, Dope.
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Thu 13 Jun 6pm Artist’s Talk: Simeon Barclay Join Survey artist Simeon Barclay for a conversation about the themes of his work in the exhibition. Born in Huddersfield, Barclay investigates how identity is constructed from, and in relation to, popular culture. Barclay will be joined by Liverpool based artist Rory MacBeth. Tickets: £3/2
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Exhibitions and Events
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Our popular winter exhibitions continue until 31 March John Beck and Matthew Cornford: The Art Schools of North West England
Through their photographs of over 30 art schools in this region, accompanied by texts and ephemera, John Beck and Matthew Cornford reflect on the changing landscape of art education and the vitality and cultural influence of these institutions, most of which no longer exist. The exhibition is the first in the artists’ ongoing mapping of all England’s art schools, region by region.
Joshua Henderson and Veronica Watson: Studio Me
Joshua Henderson and Veronica Watson developed their art practice as members of Bluecoat’s inclusive arts programme, Blue Room, and have been working in residence here since September. The exhibition features Watson’s portraits of people she meets in the building and beyond, and Henderson’s risograph prints and etchings of Liverpool’s skyline.
Wed 6 Mar 7pm
Jade Montserrat: Instituting Care
Monumental charcoal wall drawings by Scarborough-based artist Jade Montserrat transform the gallery into a space of critical reflection on race, gender, disability and education. Instituting Care asks us to think about how we share knowledge with one another, while foregrounding care and an awareness of each other’s unique perspectives. Wed 7 Mar 2-4pm
Life-drawing with Paul Kindersley
As part of Instituting Care, artist Paul Kindersley will model for a special life-drawing class in the gallery. He will model in costume and the session is open to all abilities. Tickets: £10/£8
Talk: The Art School Dance Goes on Forever
Art schools have been a fruitful environment for UK pop, while music itself features in much contemporary art. Bluecoat Artistic Director Bryan Biggs charts this relationship, focusing on archetypal 1970s art school band, Deaf School, who emerged from Liverpool Art School, and popular music’s continuing vitality to inform, enliven and disrupt visual arts practice. Tickets: £3/£2 Thu 7 Mar 6.30pm introduction/7pm screening
Film in collaboration with Empty Spaces Cinema:Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs
1974 comedy produced by George Harrison, who supplied incidental music, features Malcolm (John Hurt), expelled from art school, at war with social conformity. Tickets: £8/£6
For full programme information or to book tickets visit thebluecoat.org.uk or telephone 0151 702 5324
Heritage Display & Events
Heritage in the Vide
Throughout 2019, the Vide space hosts temporary exhibitions about Bluecoat’s long history as an arts venue. The first of these displays, comprising photos, films, posters, publications and other material, opens in April and reflects the support given to emerging and early stage career artists, over several decades. Our popular timeline in the Vide has also been refreshed, providing an introduction to Bluecoat and telling the story of its transformation from 18th century charity school to early 20th century arts centre, the first in the UK. Explore this story further on our archive website: mybluecoat.org.uk
Become a Member
Enjoy exclusive benefits, discounts, support our beautiful building and help keep our exhibitions free. As a Bluecoat Member you receive exclusive offers, priority booking for selected events, a year-round discount at our popular Espresso Cafe and selected Bluecoat retailers. If you are interested in joining the Bluecoat Membership scheme visit thebluecoat.org.uk to learn more.
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Wed 21 Mar 6.30pm
Incidental Meeting
This talk forms part of the new Incidental Futures programme in association with Flat Time House. The Incidental Unit explores the impact and themes of the Artist’s Placement Group established by Barbara Steveni in 1966. APG identified ways that artists as ‘Incidental Persons’ could disrupt and improve patterns in education, administration, planning processes and countless other areas of public life. Free, booking required Sat 30 Mar 2pm
Under the Rose: The Architecture and Acoustics of Secrecy at Speke Hall
Serena Korda discusses the making of Under the Rose, part of her Trust New Art for the National Trust and Bluecoat commission at Speke Hall. This new sound work made for the hall’s courtyard, was inspired by the acoustics of secrecy, charting a history of observation, eavesdropping and the hiding of Catholic priests at the Tudor mansion. It questions if, in our highly visual culture, our ability to listen has dwindled. Tickets £4/£3
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LightNight and Family Events
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Our fantastic guest artists and collaborators offer something for all the family. LightNight is back again with a range of family activities. And our Children’s Corner is open every day. Sat 9 Mar 1-4pm
Sat 11 & Sun 12 May 1-4pm
Where would you like to make art? What does your ideal creative space look like? We’ll be creating our own mini studios, inspired by the artists in our current exhibitions, in a drop-in workshop for children and their grown ups. Free, stay as long as you like!
Join us for a weekend of free creative fun, suitable for all the family. We’ll be exploring the Survey exhibition all weekend. On Saturday artist Lindsey Mendick, whose work is often created with family members, will help you create your own surreal sculptures. Free, stay as long as you like!
Family Workshop: Mini Studios
Sat 16 Mar / Sat 13 Apr / Sat 18 May / Sat 15 Jun 2.30 – 4pm
Hands Up! Family Weekend
Funny Looking Kids Comedy Club
Fri 17 May 5-10pm
Sat 27 Apr 1-4pm
On LightNight, themed this year around ritual, we open our doors for an evening of music, fun and the chance to get involved in hands on family activities. Spend the evening in our secret garden with choirs, DJs, live musicians, then refuel at our outdoor bar and barbecue. Free, drop in
Liverpool’s first regular comedy club for kids returns, with jokes and mayhem! Tickets: £5/£3
Family Workshop: Printmaking
Get involved in the Print Fair with this family friendly print activity. We’ll be creating large scale collaborative prints so come prepared for creative chaos and wear (or bring) clothes that you don’t mind getting messy! Free, drop in 30 Apr - 2 Jul Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.30am, arrive from 10am
Baby Book Club
This course, run with storyteller and educator Roger Hill, is aimed at parents and carers with babies aged 3-12 months. Develop skills to make reading together a fun learning experience for you and your little one. £40 for ten sessions, including a hot drink
LightNight
Sat 8 Jun 1-4pm
Family Workshop: Calling all the Sheroes!
Celebrate the amazing women in your life through drawing, making and animation activities inspired by the work of our artist in residence, Chinar Shah from India. Big up your Mum, your Nan, your teacher or even yourself! Suitable for all the family. Free drop in
For full programme information or to book tickets visit thebluecoat.org.uk or telephone 0151 702 5324
Dance, Performance and Music
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INHABIT, Bluecoat’s three-year programme of New Dance with Liverpool Improvisation Collective, champions the independent dancer, and the role of non-dance specialists in making new work. 2019, the final year of the programme, is marked by a series of special events. Wed 20 Mar 6-8pm
Sat 6 Apr 10.30-5pm
Paula Hampson has engaged people from very different communities through dance. Sharing her practice, she invites participants to explore the idea of engagement, personally and socially, through creative movement, improvisation, drawing and writing. The session is open to dancers, other artists and facilitators working creatively in engagement. Tickets £5/£3
This one-day event for artists and educators is the culmination of the INHABIT programme and includes a workshop, presentation, discussions and a performance. It provides an opportunity for Liverpool Improvisation Collective artists Jo Blowers, Paula Hampson and Mary Prestidge to reflect and share, with invited guests, their experience of working across participation, practice innovation, programme and audience development to create a wide-reaching programme of new dance. Tickets £30/£20
New Territory–Real Lives
Wed 6 Mar 2-4pm
Inspiring imagination
Mary Prestidge, who has worked with emerging dancers from Bluecoat’s inclusive arts programme Blue Room over the past three years, offers insights into her methodology around supporting authenticity and imagination in new dance practice. Two Blue Room dancers, Tony Carroll and Diana Disley will co-facilitate the session which involves improvisation and play, and is open to dancers, other artists, facilitators or organisers working, or interested in, inclusive arts practice. Tickets £5/£3
Moving Dialogues
17 Feb, 17 Mar, 14 Apr, 19 May Class 1-3pm. Jam 3-5pm
CI SUNDAYS
Liverpool Improvisation Collective continue their monthly Contact Improvisation Class and Jam. These sessions are designed for people with all levels of moving and dance experience. Tickets Class, £6/4 Jam, £3, both £8/5 Sun 16 Jun
Trout Mask Replica
This date marks 50 years since the US release of Captain Beefheart’s influential rock double album, Trout Mask Replica. Paving the way for Derek Tyman’s offsite installation and performance project, Trout Mask House, in the autumn, Bluecoat is working with the artist on an anniversary event. Further details will be announced this spring.
For full programme information or to book tickets visit thebluecoat.org.uk or telephone 0151 702 5324
Literature
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WoWFest 2019
We are pleased to welcome back Writing on the Wall’s annual, city-wide literature festival, WoWFest. Further details of the festival will be available at www.wowfest.uk
Mon 20 May 6.30pm
WoWFest 2019: ‘Crime’, Punishment and the Politics of Fear - Tony Platt and Phil Scraton in conversation Renowned criminologists and sociologists Tony Platt (University of California) and Phil Scraton (The Violence of Incarceration/Hillsborough Report) discuss the social and political consequences of criminalisation, particularly mass incarceration, in a climate of fear and the responsibilities of researcher-activists to prisoners, their families, their communities and to the wider public. Tickets £12/£6 Wed 22 May 6.30pm
WOWFest 2019: An Evening with Ben Okri
Booker Prize-winning Nigerian writer Ben Okri discusses his career and his newest publication The Freedom Artist, an impassioned plea for justice and a penetrating examination of how freedom is threatened in a post-truth society. Join us for an inspiring evening with one of the most acclaimed contemporary writers. Tickets £12/£6 Wed 13 Mar 6.30pm
Peggy Poole Award readings featuring Yvonne Reddick and Deryn Rees-Jones
The Poetry Society presents a special event with poet Yvonne Reddick, winner of the inaugural Peggy Poole Award, a new talent development award recognising emerging writers in the North West. Her reading and a Q&A are accompanied by the judge of this year’s competition, celebrated poet and critic Deryn Rees-Jones. Tickets £6/£5
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Thu 23 May 7pm
WoWFest 2019: Citizens of Nowhere?
How can refugees and migrants be heard in such a hostile environment? Offering new insights into the experiences of resettling, award-winning writers Jennifer Makumbi and Dina Nayeri join WOWFest2019 for a unique discussion on migration and refuge, reading from their much-anticipated publications Manchester Happened and The Ungrateful Refugee. Tickets £8/£5 Wed 29 May 7pm
WOWFest 2019: Dave Ward inside pale eyes: a dream noir
The writer reads from his new publication (Hawkwood Books), a unique collection of flash fiction and observations of urban life, accompanied by monochrome drawings by Bryan Biggs. Free, booking required Mon 13 May 7pm
Book Launch: The Robert Sheppard Companion
This book situates the remarkable writing life of Robert Sheppard, one of Britain’s most imaginative poets, at the forefront of innovative poetry since the 1980s. Published by Shearsman, it is edited by Christopher Madden and James Byrne, who hosts the launch of a volume that includes contributions from major contemporaries and a new generation of scholarship. The event includes a reading by Sheppard and special guests, and discussion on his work by Madden, Ailsa Cox, Tom Jenks and Scott Thurston. Supported by Edge Hill University. Free, booking required @thebluecoat
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Residencies, Courses & Fairs
Residencies
Our ongoing programme of residencies continues this spring. In March, we welcome Luca Arboccò (Genoa) and Saelia Aparicio (Valladolid) to work in residence at Bluecoat. In April, Indian artist Chinar Shah (Bangalore) will return for the second part of her residency, exploring feminism and global politics. Our residencies programme offers artists a chance to develop new work and ideas.
Where the Arts Belong
Bluecoat is excited to be working with care providers Belong to bring arts experiences to people on a dementia journey. Artists Suki Chan, Alan Dunn, Roger Hill, Philip Jeck, Brigitte Jurack and Mary Prestidge are engaging with residents of care villages in Crewe, Birkdale and Chester. Each artist’s work relates to ageing through storytelling, movement and sensory experience. The programme continues later this year at The Atkinson in Southport and the Grosvenor Museum in Chester. Further information: Tabitha Moses 07706 147277 or email tabitha.m@thebluecoat.org.uk.
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Print Studio and Courses
Our historic print studios offer courses, workshops and studio hire to anyone interested in exploring the possibilities of printmaking, including etching and screenprinting. For full listings and to book, visit thebluecoat.org/content/print-studios Sat 27 Apr 10.30am-5pm
Liverpool Print Fair
Liverpool Print Fair is a biannual print fair showcasing affordable art from a variety of talented printmakers, designers and artists, selected from applicants across the UK. 15 & 16 Mar, 19 & 20 Apr, 10 & 11 May, 14 & 15 Jun 10am-6pm
Book Fair
2 Mar/4 May/1 Jun 10am-6pm
Record Fair
6 April 10am-6pm
Comic Mart
Thousands of comic books from the golden age to now. Sun 31 Mar
Mother’s Day
Treat the special lady in your life to a fabulous meal in our beautiful building, with live music and a free glass of bubbly for the ladies in your group. Visit bluecoat.org.uk for the full menu, and email info@thebluecoat.org.uk to book. For full programme information or to book tickets visit thebluecoat.org.uk or telephone 0151 702 5324
Diary MAR APR MAY JUN
Our Core Funders
Date Event
Page
Until Sun 31 Mar
Studio Me, Instituting Care, The Art Schools of North West England Exhibitions
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Sat 2 Mar/4May/1 Jun
Record Fair
8 Fair
Wed 6 Mar
Inspiring Imagination
6 Workshop
Wed 6 Mar
The Art School Dance Goes on Forever
3
Thu 7 Mar
Life-drawing with Paul Kindersley
3 Workshop
Thu 7 Mar
Film: Little Malcolm and His Struggle Against the Eunuchs.
3 Film
Sat 9 Mar
Family Workshop: Mini Studios
5 Family
Wed 13 Mar
Peggy Poole Award readings featuring Yvonne Reddick and Deryn Rees-Jones
7 Literature
Sat 6 Mar/13 Apr/ 18 May/15 Jun
Funny Looking Kids
5 Family
Fri/Sat 15 & 16 Mar/19 & 20 Apr Book Fair /10 & 11 May/14 & 15 Jun
Visual Art
Talk
8 Fair
17 Mar/14 Apr/19 May
CI Sundays
6 Workshop
Tue 19 Mar/16 Apr/ 21 May/18 Jun
Talking Poetry
WEB Literature
Wed 20 Mar
New Territory - Real Lives
6 Workshop
Thu 21 Mar
Incidental Meeting
4 Talk
Sat 30 Mar
Under the Rose: The Architecture and Acoustics of Secrecy at Speke Hall
4 Talk
Sun 31 Mar
Mother’s Day
8 Family
Sat 6 Apr
Moving Dialogues
6 Workshop
Sat 6 Apr
Comic Mart
8 Fair
Fri 12 April
Survey exhibition launch
2
Fri 12 April
Performance: Ashley Holmes, Good to Us
2 Performance
Sat 13 Apr to 23 Jun
Survey Exhibition
2
Sat 27 Apr
Liverpool Print Fair
8 Fair
Sat 27 Apr
Family Workshop: Printmaking
5 Family
Tue 30 Apr
Baby Book Club
5 Family
Sat 11 & Sun 12 May
Hands Up! Family Weekend
5 Family
Mon 13 May
Book launch: The Robert Sheppard Companion
7 Poetry
Fri 17 May
LightNight 5 Family
Mon 20 May
WoWFest 2019: ‘Crime’, Punishment and the Politics of Fear.
7 Literature
Wed 22 May
WoWFest 2019: An Evening With Ben Okri
7
Thu 23 May
WoWFest 2019: Citizens of Nowhere?
7 Literature
Wed 29 May
WoWFest 2019: Dave Ward Inside Pale Eyes: A Dream Noir
7 Literature
Sat 8 Jun
Family Workshop: Calling all the Sheroes!
5 Family
Thu 13 Jun
Artist’s Talk: Simeon Barclay in conversation with Rory MacBeth
2
Sun 16 Jun
Trout Mask Replica
6 Music
Visual Art Visual Art
Literature
Visual Art
A special thank you to all our Supporters, Members and Patrons for their generous support. Image credits. Cover: Rae-Yen Song, Happy Happy Leaf, 2018. Commissioned for Survey by Jerwood Arts. Installation view at Jerwood Space. Photo: Anna Arca. Welcome: Bluecoat garden, photo: Brian Roberts Page 2: Survey - Installation view at Jerwood Space. Commissioned by Jerwood Arts. Photo: Anna Arca. Page 3: Jade Montserrat, Instituting Care, photo: Brian Roberts; Page 4: Art at the Heart of Bluecoat – Installation view, photo: Brian Roberts Page 5: Family activities at Bluecoat, photo: Brian Roberts Page 6: photo: Katrina Shock Page 7: Ben Okri Page 8: Chinar Shah, Silenced Ruptures, 2012
Opening Hours Building & Espresso cafe: Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm Sun 11am - 6pm thebluecoat.org.uk
Tickets & Information Gallery: Daily 11am - 6pm Upstairs Bistro: Tues - Sat 12-4pm Sun & Mon Closed fb.com/thebluecoat
Telephone 0151 702 5324 Email info@thebluecoat.org.uk @thebluecoat
Address Bluecoat, School Lane Liverpool L1 3BX
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Bluecoat is a registered charity: 700862