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Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool has initiated an exciting new programme titled *Home: A Celebration of Place*, designed to highlight and celebrate the distinct character, creativity, and identity of communities throughout Liverpool. Building upon the achievements of earlier Creative Neighbourhoods and Creative Communities projects, this city-wide initiative will run through 2026 and 2027, uniting artists, local organisations, and residents in an exploration of the idea: What defines a place as a home?
The core aim of this initiative is to honour and amplify the unique narratives, cultural heritage, and accomplishments of Liverpool’s various neighbourhoods. It seeks to foster a stronger sense of belonging, pride, and participation among residents, while addressing disparities in cultural access across the city. Strategic investment decisions have been shaped by data such as the Indices of Deprivation alongside local insights, focusing resources on areas that have traditionally seen less cultural funding to help boost creative opportunities and cultural infrastructure.
As part of the project development earlier this year, Culture Liverpool invited artists and arts organisations to submit proposals for place-based residencies committed to working closely with local communities. Those chosen were selected for their demonstrated creativity, proven delivery capabilities, and dedication to collaborative, community-led practices. The organisations awarded commissions are MAKE CIC, Cut to the Chase Productions, Breaking Barriers, LUMA Creations, and dot-art. These groups will engage residents through a mix of workshops, events, performances, and creative projects that aim to celebrate neighbourhood identities, strengthen social connections, and leave enduring cultural legacies.
In addition to the commissioned artist residencies, Culture Liverpool is launching the first round of community grants under the *Home* programme. These grants, ranging from £500 to £5,000, are intended to support grassroots arts initiatives, festivals, and community celebrations that bring people together and celebrate local heritage. The fund targets organisations that are deeply rooted in their communities and will run projects between July and September 2026. Following the success of this initial cycle, a subsequent round of funding will be offered later in the year. Emphasising inclusivity and participation, the programme involves residents from diverse backgrounds and age groups, collaborating with partners across schools, community groups, elected members, and local organisations to foster trust, cohesion, resilience, and joy throughout Liverpool’s neighbourhoods.
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Key commissioned projects present distinct artistic explorations of local identity. MAKE CIC’s *In My Liverpool Home* centres on Liverpool’s North Docks area, especially Vauxhall and the Ten Streets district. Inspired by Pete McGovern’s iconic song “In My Liverpool Home,” this project focuses on the neighbourhood’s rich immigrant, industrial, and community heritage through music, storytelling, and public art. It aims to connect generations and envision the future of this waterfront community while celebrating its past. LUMA Creations will bring cultural exchange and belonging to the fore, using its extensive experience in inclusive programming to engage residents in creative storytelling that honours Liverpool’s cultural diversity.
Cut to the Chase Productions will deliver *H.O.M.E. (House. Ours. Memory. EnJOYment.)*, a cine-theatre initiative spanning Dingle, Toxteth, Princes Park, and Arundel. Led by award-winning producer Jen Heyes, this project combines story-gathering, filmmaking, music, and community participation to create an immersive performance reflecting the rich creativity and joy of these neighbourhoods. Breaking Barriers presents *Stories We Tell: Liverpool*, an audio-visual immersive storytelling experience developed with South Liverpool residents. Using innovative sound and visual technologies alongside oral histories and workshops, the project will create a unique journey through local streets featuring community voices and live performance, while engaging young people in skill development.
Meanwhile, dot-art’s *Word for Home: Belle Vale* involves collaboration with local artists and residents to produce large murals showcasing the language, sayings, and expressions that embody Belle Vale’s identity. Through community participation, the project will develop a visual and linguistic celebration of the neighbourhood’s character, including a locally sourced dictionary and printed materials, leaving a permanent artistic imprint that reflects Belle Vale’s spirit.
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Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, highlighted the importance of the programme, stating: “Liverpool’s neighbourhoods are the heartbeat of our city, and Home: A Celebration of Place is about recognising the creativity, resilience, and pride that exists within every community.” He emphasised the programme’s role in empowering residents to share their stories and collaborate with artists to create unique cultural expressions that truly reflect local identities.
Similarly, Kirsten Little, Creative Director of MAKE CIC, expressed enthusiasm for their project: “It feels like the perfect moment to come together and celebrate the diversity and stories of what makes Liverpool feel like home. We are excited to partner with Culture Liverpool so we can shine a spotlight on the past, present, and future of North Liverpool… By capturing family stories, engaging people through music, and installing landmark public art, HOME will connect the scouse diaspora of the dockland communities of old to those who call Liverpool home today.” She noted that the project is framed by the song “In my Liverpool home,” written by Pete McGovern, who was born in Liverpool’s dockland 99 years ago.
*Home: A Celebration of Place* will run from summer 2026 through early 2027, culminating in a city-wide festival that showcases the creativity, stories, and achievements emerging from Liverpool’s many vibrant neighbourhoods
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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