A new art campaign will be bringing ‘HOPE’ to the city’s Liverpool Cathedral.
Called From Now On the artwork consists of donated items which people associate with the Covid-19 pandemic – ranging from pieces which represent popular lockdown activities such as baking, knitting and exercising as well as poignant tributes to loved ones who lost their lives to the virus.
Each contribution will be laid out inside Liverpool Cathedral to spell the word HOPE, with the work acting as a symbol of the pandemic and a moving reminder of what people have experienced in the past 19 months.
It forms part of Very Public Art – the city’s major public art campaign which encourages people to rediscover the city – and is on display from today (Friday 29 October) until Monday 1 November, 10am to 6pm each day.
Creative practitioners Travelled Companions worked with community groups to engage with them to understand everyone’s personal pandemic experience and uncover what residents, old and young, have learnt about themselves. Local artist Eilidh Bryan collated the donated memorabilia and designed the artwork.
From Now On has been facilitated by the Visit Hope Street CIC.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle:
“This latest Very Public Art commission is a journey through an unprecedented experience we all shared – it will chart the highs and the lows, encompassing lockdowns, homeworking, hobbies, friendships and loss.
“In the beautiful surroundings of Liverpool Cathedral, it will be a hugely poignant piece, giving visitors the opportunity to take some time out and reflect on what the pandemic meant to them and how it impacted on others in our community.
“It’s only on display for a few days so I urge as many people to head to the cathedral and see this emotive artwork for themselves.”
Michael Eakin, Chair of Visit Hope Street CIC:
“Hope Street CIC is delighted to have been commissioned by Culture Liverpool to develop the installation. We have 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 Revd Dr Sue Jones:
“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 that 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 is important that we continue to engage with our experiences of these challenging times as we look with hope into the future.”
To find out more about all the Very Public Art installations visit www.visitliverpool.com/verypublicart and follow the hashtags #VeryPublicArt
All the works have been commissioned by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and supported by Arts Council England.
