A city proud of its contribution to the artistic world, Liverpool boasts no end of grand galleries and magnificent museums for visitors to peruse during their city breaks.
Our fair city also offers a hidden selection of eclectic galleries that are the backbone of introducing a future generation of artists into the world.
These venues celebrate new mediums of art such as media and digital movements, as well as the classic methods.
These platforms for talent of innovative and existing artists, are hidden treasure troves available to public viewing.
Here is my guide to make sure you get your artistic fix whilst visiting Liverpool.
The Brink
A new wave venue that houses Liverpool’s first dry bar alongside a unique creative performance space is The Brink.
This exciting venue offers entertainment and activities at the forefront of Liverpool’s creative scene.
From movie screenings, football match and documentary screenings, to live musical performances and drum circles, this place has it all.
Just when you thought there wasn’t room for any more, The Brink also provides support to young artists by nurturing existing talents and showcasing them for all to see.
Interactive workshops and art conceptions are hosted throughout the week. So although not an art gallery as such, an exhibition will often be on display here. Usually with a link to supporting the local community, go to The Brink and see what’s new.
The Open Eye Gallery
In the age of the selfie, photographs can now be easily manipulated to reflect reality. So it is ever more important to remember that the original intention of the photograph was to capture loved ones and special memories, freezing them in time and space.
At the Open Eye Gallery on Liverpool’s famed World Heritage Waterfront, visitors will find displays of fabulous photography. From modern pieces of up and coming artists to glimpses through windows of the past and archives dating right back to the 1930s.
This spectacular venue holds permanent displays of work from over 100 different photographers, and is a platform for introducing new methods of lens based practices.
Worth a visit just to experience the glorious structure of the building itself. Opening up onto a covered public square, the gallery spans two floors with new pieces on the lower and old on the upper.
The outer façade itself is a canvas presenting work from a local artist, that is to be changed biannually. Commissioned as a way to create relationships with those who work without a camera. An ever changing exhibition of times gone by and those up ahead.
Liverpool Cathedral
A piece of architecture standing proud above the city’s skyline is Liverpool Cathedral. Its towering façade visible from the far reaches of northern Wales. For the architecture alone the Cathedral is something to behold.
With a list of events taking place on a regular basis involving a variety of art from all avenues. A collection amassed over the years with a permanent display of commissioned artworks from past and present artists. These include those of Royal Academicians and of more contemporary artists of today.
Visitors are also able to view the intricate details of glorious stained glass windows depicting ecclesiastic scenes as well as ancient sculptures dating back to the 15th century and embroideries from Victorian and Edwardian periods.
The entire Cathedral is a feast for the eyes and a display of the churches aesthetic wealth, come and see what has been offered from the world of art to the glory of God.
FACT
Not just your average cinema, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) is an institution at the forefront of media and digital art.
Showcasing mainstream and independent films across four cinema style screens as well as boasting three galleries that hold a number of exhibitions throughout the year.
The media arts centre also collaborates with local festivals and bars in order to project media arts into public eyes.
In the past FACT has worked with big names at the head of their industries. Exhibitions often coincide with popular city events allowing FACT to provide wider public audiences a look into alternative art forms, bringing us all speeding into the digital age.
Editions Ltd.
A small gallery space located close to Liverpool’s waterfront, Editions Ltd is a full art collectors service.
Providing hand crafted framing services, art consultancy and exhibitions showing works from local independent artists.
Editions Ltd is a must see for any new or existing art accumulator with over 30 artist’s work on display varying from the contemporary to the classic. Some well established up and coming names included.
If you are lucky enough to visit on an Open Exhibition Event, you may witness the start of an artist’s career. The open exhibition is a platform where artists openly submit their creations for public speculation.
A visit here will ensure you leave Liverpool with a piece of original artwork at an affordable price.
Domino Gallery
A beacon of independent art in Liverpool. Domino gallery has provided support for all aspects of contemporary art forms sourced from Liverpool’s recognised and unknown artists.
Located in a small boutique like building, with transparent roofing providing extraordinary light and an echoing expanse of floor space. The gallery is any artist’s or art lovers dream.
The base for many local projects that encourage burgeoning artists with schemes like the Dot-Art Schools programme.
Host to poetry readings, music performances and artwork exhibitions from the best local artists. Domino gallery has kept our fingers on the pulse of Liverpool’s art movement for a quarter of a century.
Here’s hoping they will continue to do so for the rest of the next century and beyond.
The Bluecoat and the Bluecoat Display Centre
Enter a space where creativity flourishes through a variety of mediums and an institution that encourages everybody to discover their inner artist.
The Bluecoat itself is a venue that holds a never ending list of artistic exhibitions, lectures, performances and workshops. With groups encouraging early age reading to displays of modern art, paintings and photography projects.
There is no end to the visual delights on offer within this architecturally stunning venue.
Just around the corner is The Bluecoat Display Centre. Here you will find a treasure trove of enchantments, fine handcrafted jewellery and ceramics, gorgeous glassware and printed artworks all available for purchase.
There is even a scheme in place to help art become a part of your home, the Own Art scheme. The Arts Council England are offering financial assistance as encouragement for those looking to invest in contemporary works of art. The scheme aiming to make everybody able to financially support our artistic nation and enable artists to support themselves through their chosen avenue of creative output.
So become an art connoisseur and invest in something truly special on your visit.
View Two Gallery
Situated on the most famous street in Liverpool, Matthew Street, is the View Two Gallery. Here is a collection of pieces that span across three huge floors.
Nestled amongst designer fashion outlets of the Cavern Quarter, View Two Gallery attracts the attention of visitors looking to browse or spend hours poring over the 100’s of pieces on display.
An eclectic mix of media and themes produced by well-known and emerging artists, the work here is one of a kind and available to purchase.
The gallery also has its own licenced bar and at night transforms into a venue for performances from Liverpool Acoustic. A community that has been supporting live music in Liverpool for most of the noughties.
Exhibitions take place throughout the year and with free entry the gallery is a must see. Always a good excuse to visit Matthew Street too.
If your heading into Liverpool and have an interest in culture stay at 30 James Street – Home of the Titanic. A fantastic piece of Liverpool’s history and a piece of art work in its own right.
