The Bluecoat launches new season inviting visitors to get hands-on with art

The Bluecoat is set to launch a brand new season of exhibitions and events this autumn, encouraging audiences to do more than just look at the art – this time, it’s about getting involved.

Opening at the Bluecoat on Saturday 25 October, the season is titled Felt and centres around two major exhibitions: Just Browsing and We Dream of Our Freedom. Both exhibitions invite visitors to experience art in a whole new way, whether that’s through touch, play, making, or even wearing the works on display.

This approach marks a shift away from the traditional gallery experience, offering a more interactive, post-Covid way to enjoy art in Liverpool.

Just Browsing brings together sculpture, film, ceramics, textiles and wearable artworks from eleven artists. The exhibition asks audiences to browse, handle and even sit on works, breaking down the barriers between art and everyday life.

Highlights include bold fabric hangings from Welsh artist Ffion Evans, ceramic seating from Carla Wright, surrealist objects by Daniel Sean Kelly and playful performance t-shirts by Chester Tenneson. Visitors can even buy and wear limited edition designs from Bruce Asbestos.

Meanwhile, We Dream of Our Freedom comes from Manchester-based artist and activist Lou Miller, working with children from St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School. The show transforms the gallery into a community studio, where the voices of children on what freedom means to them take centre stage. Visitors will be invited to contribute their own responses as part of the exhibition.

As part of the launch day on 25 October, from 11am, visitors can get hands-on straight away with free drop-in creative activities including screen printing and zine making, led by Lou Miller in the gallery.

The Felt season will also be accompanied by a packed programme of workshops, family activities, markets and more.

Both exhibitions run from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 8 February with free entry.

For more details and the full programme, visit the Bluecoat website.

Get the latest news around Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.