The Liverpool Plinth needs a new sculpture and artists can apply now

A new sculpture is needed for The Liverpool Plinth, and the geographical area for eligible artists is expanding. 

Established in 2018, The Liverpool Plinth is located at the Grade II listed Liverpool Parish Church, the Church of Our Lady and Saint Nicholas, and is managed together with Liverpool BID Company and dot-art. Part of the Public Art Strategy in place in Liverpool’s Commercial District, The Liverpool Plinth is the Northern response to London’s Trafalgar Square Fourth Plinth. Celebrating and platforming sculptors, until now those living in the North of England, it is free to submit a proposal. The selected artist receives £1,000. 

For the first time, artists working from the Midlands will be eligible to enter their work to the high profile location. The winning sculpture is selected by a panel drawn from Liverpool’s commercial and cultural life. 

Since its inception, the project has brought public art into the city centre, exploring diverse issues including disability, mental health, climate change and heritage. Previous artists whose work has been displayed on The Liverpool Plinth include;

Tony Heaton with Gold Lamé

Sam Shendi with Split Decision

Gail Dooley with Tidal Shame

Faith Bebbington with Jimmy

Katie McGuire with 2400

Lucy Byrne, Director of dot-art, says:

“It’s always exciting to open submissions for the Liverpool Plinth and I cannot wait to see what fantastic pieces the talented sculptors of the Northern half of the country have tucked away in their studios, waiting to be showcased. We are looking for visually impactful work that makes a real statement and provokes conversation – and even argument!”. 

The Rector of Liverpool, the Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, says:

“One of my favourite things about The Liverpool Plinth is the reaction we get from people as they walk by. It always provokes curiosity, questions, interest and enthusiasm. And isn’t that what art is for, to make us think and see the world, however briefly, through someone else’s eyes. I’m looking forward to resuming my duties on the judging panel and seeing what we have to offer this year”.

Bill Addy, chief executive of Liverpool BID Company and chair of LVEN (Liverpool Visitor Economy Network), says:

“Public art appears in the spaces we use every day. It adds colour and creativity, whether that is one a visit to a new city, our lunch break or commute. We know that public art enlivens and increases footfall to our city so we are delighted to be able to continue to support The Liverpool Plinth, and I can’t see what artwork will be installed next”. 

The Liverpool Plinth Open Call for 2023 opens on Monday 27 February and closes on Sunday 30 April at midnight. More details and how to apply can be found here.