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This September, Liverpool’s historic Cunard Building will host an innovative exhibition titled *Close to Home*, which delves into the personal stories and profound impact surrounding suicide. More than a conventional exhibition, it is designed as a space for contemplation and reflection, created through a collaboration between the Merseyside community arts organisation Heart of Glass and award-winning artist Mark Storor. The project draws on real experiences of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and bereavement, forming part of a broader initiative called The Suicide Chronicles.
Running from 3 September to 10 October 2026, and coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day, *Close to Home* showcases over seven years of work developed by Storor alongside communities across England, Ireland, and Wales who have been touched by suicide. Storor’s artistic vision seeks to give voice to experiences often hidden in silence, creating a philosophical space that acknowledges and honours those affected by suicide. This exhibition represents the seventh chapter in a series of collaborative works known as the Chronicles, each shaped by the individuals and moments that inspired them.
Patrick Fox, CEO of Heart of Glass, reflected on the project’s evolution since its inception in 2018: “We quickly realised after the first Chronicle this was an artistic interrogation we had to carry forward to encompass as many voices and experiences as possible, to give them the time and space to be seen and heard.” He highlighted that while suicide impacts many—the research estimates that one suicide affects approximately 135 people—the Chronicles work collectively to capture the intricate and multi-dimensional nature of bereavement by suicide. Fox emphasizes the importance of this continuity, stating the seventh chapter, *Close to Home*, brings these myriad stories together.
The Suicide Chronicles originated in St Helens, a town once noted for having the highest suicide rate in England and Wales. Commissioned by Heart of Glass, the project was conceived as a response to the prevalence of loss within that community, where collaborative arts methodologies allowed for an honest exploration of societal challenges related to suicide. Through this approach, Storor amassed diverse perspectives, including women who lost partners to suicide, farmers grappling with their connection to the land and the high suicide rates in rural areas, intergenerational narratives about teen suicide in communities, and the experiences of first responders on the front lines.
*Close to Home* will occupy the Cunard Building as a six-week residency filled with live performances, poetry, music, films, digital installations, sculptures, animation, and photography. Each piece is distinct yet united in expressing poignant personal stories. Mark Storor described the exhibition as “not an end but part of a continuum,” emphasizing its role in fostering reflection and connection. He explained, “Visitors will be able to explore their relationship with self, with one another, with those across the world, hopefully to value what fundamentally connects us all as humans.” The residency also includes planned conversations and community events, aiming to create a lasting dialogue and provide support for those affected by suicide.
Funded by Arts Council England and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, and supported by Liverpool City Council, Culture Liverpool, and Public Health Liverpool, *Close to Home* is an important contribution to public health and the cultural landscape. Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, expressed the significance of the project: “Suicide remains a public health priority for Liverpool… the fact that we still don’t talk openly about suicide and it remains a ‘taboo’ subject is one of the biggest challenges in our work.” He highlighted the power of art and culture to break down barriers and foster open conversations that help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help
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