Local artists to bring colour to Birkenhead Market as part of new event

Birkenhead Market’s covered outdoor space will be getting some colour just in time for spring, with local artists set to make their mark as part of a new Art Jam event.

Taking place at Wirral’s third Youth Market on Saturday 15th March, 10 artists from across Wirral and Merseyside will be using their talent to design large scale murals and installations, transforming the shutters at Birkenhead Market live throughout the day between 10am – 4pm.

Produced by Make CIC, the event promises to be an immersive live experience, allowing the public to see artists in action creating vibrant and colourful murals across the market’s shutters. A range of styles and techniques will be on display, offering something for everyone – from art enthusiasts to children and the wider local community – as well the opportunity for visitors to pick up a paintbrush themselves.

Some of the artists confirmed to be taking part so far include:

· Rachel Smith-Evans of Quirky Design Co, a decorative artist based at Make North Docks in Liverpool, who created artwork for both Eurovision and Taylor Town and has been featured on BBC’s The One Show and ITV

· SignsbyJames, a Wirral based self-taught Artist who is ‘making people happy by splashing paint about’. He has worked on murals, window displays and more across Wirral

· Gweni-Louu, a Birkenhead resident and visual artist who is known for her vibrant abstract paintings of the North Wales coastline.

· Jessie Inkswell, a fantasy artist from Birkenhead loves bringing characters to life, with a specialty in original character design

· Michelle Murray, a Wirral resident and interdisciplinary artist. She specialises in illustration, drawing inspiration from everyday life to childhood. Michelle’s work encompasses a variety of media ranging from 3D work, painting and printing to express her ideas.

· Convenience Gallery, a not for profit, creative arts platform based in Birkenhead, who take art out into public spaces across Merseyside, creating accessible ways for communities to engage and be enriched through the arts

For those inspired by the professionals, Art Jam at Birkenhead Market will also offer visitors the chance to get involved and create artwork of their own. Liverpool-based Zap Graffiti will host a series of workshops throughout the day, allowing the public to tap into their artistic side and contribute toward a community mural.

There’s no need to book, and people are invited to join in at the rolling sessions between 10am – 4pm.

Councillor Tony Jones, Chair of Wirral Council’s Economy, Regeneration & Housing Committee, said:

“Wirral is home to a wealth of artistic talent, and we’re lucky to have growing organisations such as Make CIC in Birkenhead, helping to nurture the next generation of creatives.

“Art Jam will give up-and-coming young artists a fantastic platform to share their work at Wirral Youth Market, alongside the rising traders and performers who will be showcasing their businesses. I’d encourage everyone to come down and support our young local talent.”

Kirsten Little, Make CIC Chief Operating Officer and Artistic Director of Made by Make, said:

“As someone who studied art right here in Birkenhead before moving away to pursue a creative career, it’s incredible to see our local area transformed by artists and makers. The creative energy in this town has always been strong, and now more than ever, it’s lighting up our streets and spaces with events like Birkenhead Youth Market and Art Jam. Seeing artists come together to shape the cultural landscape of Birkenhead is not just exciting – it’s a reminder of the talent and passion that’s always been here.”

Art Jam will take place at the next Wirral Youth Market event, which offers young entrepreneurs a free platform to showcase their products or services within the local community. More than 40 traders and performers are already signed up, and with previous events in Liscard and New Brighton attracting over 8,500 people between them, the Birkenhead event looks set to be the biggest yet.