Liverpool airport unveils new artworks
[September 19th 2008]
Passengers at Liverpool John Lennon Airport can now enjoy works of art as they wait for their flights.
Phil Redmond, creator of Grange Hill and Brookside and now deputy chair and creative director of the Liverpool Culture Company, was on hand at the airport to unveil the works of art from five local artists and 119 schoolchildren from three local schools.
The works of art are dotted around the public areas of the terminal at Liverpool airport and include mosaics by Debbie Ryan, a large image of Halewood by Barry Worrall and pieces from 50 schoolchildren at St Ambrose Primary School in Speke.
“We are delighted to have Phil Redmond and the Liverpool Culture Company launch the Airport’s Community Arts Project especially at a time when the City is gearing up for the start of the Liverpool Biennial,” said Neil Pakey, deputy CEO of Peel Airports Group, the owner of Liverpool airport.
“We are also pleased to be supporting the local artists by giving them opportunity to display their work to thousands of passengers and visitors and at the same time we are delighted to be showing off our local talent to European visitors,” added Pakey.
Earlier this year Liverpool airport and the Liverpool Culture Company issued an ‘art call’ inviting local artists to display their work at the airport. They were inundated with applications and so formed an Art Panel to make the selection.
“I am delighted that JLA is providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent to a truly international audience. To embrace art and culture throughout a public building such as JLA is fantastic, as it vividly promotes why we are European Capital of Culture from the moment you arrive in Liverpool and right up until you depart,” commented Phil Redmond.
The works of art will be on display until the end of the year, but the project is the start of a rolling programme which will continue to showcase new exhibits at the airport throughout next year.
Also at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and complimenting the new local art exhibits is Collection 08, a display of photography and art in the terminal building.
Written by: Nick Purdom