The FIG World Gymnastics Championships 2022 begin in Liverpool on 29 October, with just 500 days to go, Championship organisers are embracing the city region’s creativity with a new competition and ambassador.
Liverpool City Region Artist of the Year, Paul Curtis, has been announced as the new ambassador, his works have quickly become Liverpool icons. ‘For All Liverpool’s Liver Birds’ on Jamaica Street is one of the most photographed spots in the area, and his work also includes beloved murals for all three of the city region’s football clubs, the Abbey Road crossing on Grafton Street and bespoke work for restaurants, theatres and bars.
He joins Olympians Beth Tweddle MBE and Max Whitlock MBE in supporting the Championships, which will be one of the largest international sporting events ever to be held in the city. A total of 550 gymnasts from 75 countries will compete in the global event at the M&S Bank Arena, which takes place from 29 October until 6 November 2022.
Paul is also spearheading a competition for people to creatively reimagine the Championship’s logo, the ‘Worldpool’. Entrants have free rein to interpret it how they like; paint it in wild colours, make a cross-stitch version, or even bake a ‘Worldpool’ cake, there are no limits. The winning artwork will be displayed at the event, and the creator will be rewarded with accommodation in Liverpool, provided by INNSiDE Liverpool, and four tickets for the Apparatus Women’s and Men’s Finals.
The winner will be picked by a creative panel of judges including ambassadors Max Whitlock MBE and artist Paul Curtis, head of audiences at Tate Liverpool, Jemima Pyne, and designer Martin Boath – part of the team behind the Championship’s brand.
Paul Curtis said:
“Creativity is a fundamental element in Liverpool’s character. That creativity comes in many forms – visual expression, musical talent, or through athletic achievements. I’m very proud to be supporting this fantastic event, which will attract the greatest gymnasts around the world to our famous waterfront and can’t wait to see how people reimagine the Worldpool for the competition.”
Max Whitlock MBE said:
“I think all gymnasts have a strong creative side, which drives them to express themselves in competition. I certainly do, which is why I’m delighted to be involved in judging this competition. The excitement is in how open the brief is; I don’t have any idea what kind of entries we will receive, and what avenues people will choose to explore.”
Gemma Williams Fox, event director at World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022, said:
“This is the next step on our journey to getting people involved with the Championships. An event like this doesn’t just take place over nine days, the build-up and legacy are equally important. When looking at the ambassadors we wanted to have, we knew that someone who encapsulated creativity was one of them; and who better in Liverpool than Paul Curtis, whose artwork is so visible and beloved of locals and visitors.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“It’s a milestone moment that we have just 500 days to go until the world’s best gymnasts head to Liverpool to compete. As a city we have become so used to proudly hosting events of this calibre, however after more than a year of the industry coming to an unexpected standstill, the expectation and excitement around this event is sure to grow. It’s fantastic that Paul Curtis has been named as an ambassador and launched this competition, and as this city is a hot-bed of creative talent I’m sure the judging panel will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a winner.”
