Is Liverpool really a capital of culture?
New research asks local people what culture really means to them
Liverpool may have been designated the 2008 Capital of Culture but what does ‘culture’ really mean to the people living and working in the city and how do they influence the city’s cultural character.
Gayle Rice, who is based in Liverpool John Moores University’s School of Art and Design, is hoping to answer these questions by involving residents in a unique research project. Everyone who takes part will then become part of Liverpool’s cultural scene by having their thoughts and ideas displayed at a city centre gallery.
Gayle Rice explains: “Culture isn’t just something that exists in isolation in museums and galleries; it’s generated by the desires and actions of people going about their daily lives. This research is about giving these people a voice and an opportunity to talk about life, culture and the city.”
Everyone who is interested in Liverpool and who would like to share their views is welcome to take part. The only proviso is that you have to live in Liverpool – defined as the postal areas between L1 and L36. Gayle is hoping that a wide cross section of the public will participate, spanning all ages, ethnic groups, occupations and backgrounds.
The ‘Cultural Probe’ project is due to start on 9 June and after an initial meeting participants will be given a specially designed pack to take away and use to record different aspects of their lives – where they work, live and socialise. After two weeks, they’ll meet up again and Gayle will begin analysing the results.
Gayle continued: “This research will open up small windows on the different lives, interpretations, views and thoughts than make up culture in Liverpool. By looking at the minutia of everyday lives we can make a comparison with the key themes and images selected for 2008 and establish whether or not the bigger picture is relevant or a true reflection of the city’s grass roots cultural identity.”
If you are interested in taking part in the research, please contact Gayle Rice on 0151 231 5027.
Ends
Press enquiries: Shonagh Wilkie, 0151 231 3346, 07968 422 508
The SuperLambBanana outside LJMU's Tithebarn Street building
