To coincide with Next Up: Liverpool Art Now (Fri 12 December – Sun 15 February), an exhibition of the work of 39 local artists, the Bluecoat presents Art in a City Examined, a series of FREE discussion events exploring different aspects of art in Liverpool.

To book a place visit our diary page or call Tickets and Information on 0151 702 5324. 

Studio Life

Representatives from artists’ studio groups discuss how they support artistic practice in the city. Speakers include Kevin Hunt (The Royal Standard), Tony Smith (Arena Art & Design Association), Vanessa Bartlett and Josh Tennant (Red Wire). 

Wed 14 January 6.00pm

Art Market

Representatives of commercial galleries assess the market for art in the city and offer valuable insight for artists and collectors. Speakers include Lucy Byrne (dot-art), Ceri Hand (Ceri Hand Gallery) and Sam Skinner (View Two Gallery). 

Wed 21 January 6.00pm

Artists take the lead

Artists involved in setting up international dialogue, artists exchanges and initiatives beyond the gallery discuss their different approaches. Speakers include Pete Clarke (Eight Days a Week partnership with Cologne) and Lin Holland (Cyfuniad international workshops). 

Wed 28 January 6.00pm

Working with people

Artists involved in the Bluecoat’s arts participation programme discuss their approaches to working with communities and how this collaborative work informs and develops their own artistic practice. Speakers include Andy Weston. 

Wed 4 February 6.00pm

Por Convención Ferrer film and discussion

A special large scale screening of David Jacques’ 30 minute essay film Por Convención Ferrer, followed by Q&A. Narrated by poet Paul Farley, the film is part of David’s installation in the Next Up exhibition, and this event coincides with the launch of an accompanying publication by Liverpool University Press. 

Fri 6 February 6.00pm

Local Global

Artists in Next Up talk about exhibiting internationally whilst maintaining their Liverpool base, and the link between the local and the global in contemporary art. Speakers include Sean Hawkridge, Imogen Stidworthy and Kai-Oi Jay Yung. Please note, Paul Rooney will not be speaking at this event.

Wed 11 February 6.00pm