WIREDGOV

Bluecoat, the UK’s oldest arts centre and Liverpool’s Centre for the Contemporary Arts, is celebrating the 300th anniversary of its building with a programme of exhibitions and events to mark this exciting milestone.

The Bluecoat building, a fine example of Queen Anne style architecture, began life as a charity school in 1717, before becoming an arts centre in 1907, making it the oldest of its kind in the UK.

Pupils from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School in Liverpool released 300 balloons to mark the start of the anniversary celebrations at the Public View exhibition preview on Friday 3 February.

The anniversary programme will mark a period of 300 days of celebration, running from 4 February-30 November 2017. The 300 days opened with the Public View exhibition which examines Bluecoat’s commitment to artists and features over 100 Bluecoat alumni artists including Sonia Boyce, Jeremy Deller, John Latham, Mark Leckey and Imogen Stidworthy. Photographer Tricia Porter, known for her work in Toxteth in the 1980s, is also taking part in the exhibition.

Highlights include a first look at a new series of photographs from John Akomfrah and video and photographic documentation of performances in 1967 at Bluecoat by Yoko Ono and Mark Boyle.

Artist Nicole Polonsky said:

At a time when it feels as though we are at grave risk of being diminished culturally (and in many other ways...) this exhibition feels expansive and outward looking. I am proud to be taking part! 

Sarah Maxfield, Area Director North, Arts Council England said “Bluecoat has been a significant part of the visual arts scene not only in Liverpool but nationally and internationally for many years. In introducing new artists and celebrating those who are more established, it is committed to ensuring its visitors can enjoy the best of contemporary arts. The first exhibition in its celebratory year embodies this spirit and the Arts Council is delighted to have supported Bluecoat and its work.”

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