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The way forward for the Picket. See the new Independents' District HERE |
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17th September 2004: Independents' Day The Picket has found a new home in Jamaica Street as part of a new £1.5m arts district located near the waterfront. Two warehouses and a disused factory will provide studio spaces, rehearsal rooms and gallery space. The new Independent Arts District opened on September 17 for the Liverpool Biennial. Space was free during the festival before being offered at a low rate afterwards. icLiverpool report HERE. Philip Hayes and the Picket team have struck a partnership with the afoundation arts group, founder of the Liverpool Biennial of Contemporary Art.
This will allow the creation of a new home for the Picket as part of these new facilities which should provide venues for 500 to 2,000 people.
"We were approached by the afoundation and asked if we wanted to become a partner for the new Arts district in Jamaica Street. We are delighted that we have got this opportunity. There is still plenty of work to be done though. We need to confirm that we are going to continue getting our funding and there is a need for equipment and office space. We are going to need a lot of help from people. But I think that this is something that people can get behind. I have had talks with the City Council and they have said they will help us if they can." Phil Hayes THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, PLEASE CONTINUE TO ASSIST US |
Click HERE for a document listing the numerous bands and acts who have performed at the Picket over the last 20 years put together by Neil Robinson. Click HERE for the Echo account at icLiverpool. Images below from the December 2003 savethepicket gig, |
Click HERE for a gallery of photos by Dave Evans
The Picket has existed for 20 years, putting on gigs for local bands, providing recording facilities and advice for new bands, and benefit concerts for a wide range of community organisations. The Picket/Peoples Centre is a Grade 2 listed Victorian building, just around the corner from Paul McCartney's LIPA and the Art College John Lennon attended. The Venue and Studio were opened in 1980's to create some real, positive alternatives to unemployment, heroin and desperation. Since opening the staff have created a professional live music venue, a community access recording studio, 'Dry Bar' gigs for under 18's, an open door advice service for local bands and musicians and the Liverpool Now; High and Dry Festival. |
The Picket and its associated activities have made a great contribution to this City's cultural life, enhancing Liverpool's music industry and improving opportunities for local musicians. Closure would have been a great loss to the City and have a devastating impact on its cultural facilities for the people of Liverpool. Please read the guestbook and check back here for developments. |
Please leave a message of support by signing our guestbook. You can also e-mail us with your contact details if you have any suggestions that may help, or if you require further information. |
Philip Hayes, Last update 30 June 2005 webmaster
Steve Little |
The Picket acknowledges the
support of Liverpool City Council,
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