Barry Worral 'Halewoodstock' (animation still)From Friday 12 December, the gallery doors will be open once again, and the building will be brimming with new art from more than 35 Liverpool-based artists.

For more information on Next Up: Liverpool Art Now, please click here.

There will also be a programme of free discussions Art in a City Examined relating to Next Up.

Wed 14 Jan, 6.00pm - Studio Life

Wed 21 Jan, 6.00pm - Art Market

and Wed 28 Jan, 6.00pm - Artists Take The Lead

Please note that we are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day only. Call into the Bluecoat any other day and you'll get to see our alternative 'treecycled' Christmas Tree in the Hub (an art work created by Kevin Hunt, Laurence Payot, and winners from our Shine at the Bluecoat competition. If you'd like to enter the latest Shine competition, and creat your own music festival, please visit ShineFest at Shine at the Bluecoat.

Creative Christmas gifts and late night shopping Thursdays

Throughout December the Bluecoat's mix of independent retailers are open late on Thursday evenings until 8.00pm. If you are looking for a unique, creative gift, the shops at the Bluecoat provide a mix of specialist products you won't find on the high street.

Pick up hand-made gifts, accessories made from vintage fabrics, bright and beautiful yarns and fabrics, handcrafted instruments and collectables from the African continent, contemporary craftwork from leading designer-makers and intricately engraved silver and glassware from Landbaby, Purlesque, Drum, The Display Centre and R&J Porter.