Island of Foam to take over Liverpool ONE this August

A mountain of rainbow-coloured foam will be taking over part of Liverpool city centre later this month!

Island of Foam – an ambitious, temporary shape-shifting artwork will take over Liverpool ONE’s Sugar House Steps (near John Lewis) on the afternoon of Saturday 31 August. It has been commissioned by Culture Liverpool in partnership with Global Streets.

The brainchild of German artist Stephanie Lüning, the brightly coloured foam will slowly take over an area of the steps starting at 2pm, growing and constantly taking shape, ultimately making the steps disappear.

When it’s complete, it’s time to get messy as onlookers are invited to explore the artwork and create their very own foam party on the ground level.

And as the installation is entirely biodegradable, it will disappear without a trace within hours.

The unique exhibit forms part of ‘The Last Day of Summer’ festival which offers a whole host of free, family fun including water sport sessions, street performances, crafting, music, silent adventure tours and even access to swan pedalos. To find out more and to book on to some of the sessions, head to the official event website. The festival has been organised by Liverpool BID Company, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Peel Waters and Culture Liverpool.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:

“Foam is a first for Liverpool and this is going to be an unforgettable spectacle.

“Our Culture Liverpool team is always looking for something different to bring to the city, which not only makes you appreciate a new artform but also makes you look at an area you may be familiar with, in a whole different way.

“Island of Foam is a great addition to the overall The Last Day of Summer programme, which will be a fantastic day out for all the family.”

© Liverpool ONE - Sugar House Steps — © Liverpool ONE – Sugar House Steps

Artist, Stephanie Lüning, said:

“In Liverpool you can see the ephemeral character in its architectural contrasts. You have very traditional buildings next to contemporary architecture and lots of construction sites all over town.

“I love to interweave the local architecture and its stories to present my vanishing art action in these ever changing public space. But what I love most is, to surprise people- to draw the audience out of their daily routines and comfort zones for a brief moment. Liverpool seems to be the perfect place to implement a colourful and playful pile of magic.”

Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“We are thrilled to host the Island of Foam – it’s a unique and exciting experience for families, transforming a well-known part of Liverpool ONE into a vibrant sea of rainbow foam.

“We love exploring new ways to create unforgettable experiences for our visitors, and the Island of Foam is the perfect finale to the summer holidays. We can’t wait to see everyone getting involved and enjoying all the activities across the Waterfront!”