Local artists will make their mark at the Wirral Youth Market next month

Local artists are set display their creativity on Birkenhead Market’s covered outdoor space as part of a new Art Jam event.

Taking place at Wirral’s third Youth Market on Saturday 7^th December, 8 artists from across Wirral and Merseyside will be using their talent to design large scale murals and installations, transforming Birkenhead Market’s shutters live throughout the day between 10am – 4pm.

This dynamic event – produced by Make CIC – is a chance for the public to see artists in action, creating vibrant and colourful murals designed to breathe new life into the market’s outdoor area. It promises to be a sensory experience, with a range of styles and techniques on display, offering something for everyone, from art enthusiasts to children and the wider local community.

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
• Gweni-Louu, a Birkenhead resident and visual artist who is known for her vibrant abstract paintings of the North Wales coastline
• Catherine Rogers, from Liverpool, who is known for creating detailed, intricate paper designs, sculptures, and installations that bring narratives to life through image-based storytelling
• Michelle Murray, a Wirral resident and interdisciplinary artist. Specialising 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

And for anyone inspired to pick up a paintbrush after watching the professionals in action, Art Jam 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:

“There’s a thriving artistic community across Wirral, and it’s fantastic to see young up and coming local people being given a platform to share their work as part of Art Jam at Wirral Youth Market.

“Bringing together creatives, young traders, performers and the wider community as part of this event programme underscores the market’s commitment to evolving with the needs and interests of its patrons.”

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

“We’re thrilled to partner with Wirral Council on the Birkenhead Youth Market Art Jam. This event is a unique opportunity to bring together talented artists from our community, showcasing their individual styles and collective creativity. We’re excited to see Birkenhead Market transformed into a vibrant, artistic space that celebrates the spirit and talent of local artists from the Liverpool City Region.”

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“This Art Jam is a brilliant opportunity for Wirral’s artists to demonstrate their skill and creativity and for local people to watch them transform Birkenhead Market in real time, as well as getting involved and creating their own artwork.   And it’s also a great chance to support young entrepreneurs and buy unique Christmas gifts at the Youth Market event.  I’d encourage everyone to go along.”

Birkenhead resident Gweni-Louu, a visual artist specialising in abstract painting is one of the artist’s taking part in the event. She said: “I’m genuinely excited to be part of the upcoming Art Jam, a dynamic event that will bring Birkenhead’s creative energy to life. This isn’t just an opportunity to paint – it’s a chance for local artists like myself to connect together with the local community, share stories and celebrate the spaces we share.”

Art Jam will take place as part of the latest Youth Market event, which offers young entrepreneurs a free platform to showcase their products or services within the local community. More than 25 traders are already signed up, and with previous events in Liscard and New Brighton attracting over 8,500 people between them, the Birkenhead event – taking place in the run up to Christmas – is set to be the biggest yet. Youth Market is still inviting applications from both traders and performers, and those interested can sign up here.

Youth Market is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through the city region’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) allocation. Art Jam has been made possible thanks to funding through the Future High Streets Fund (FHSF), which aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets.

Wirral Youth Market takes place on Saturday 7^th December, from 10am to 4pm, with Art Jam and Zap Graffiti workshops running throughout the full event – find out more here.