Liverpool Mural Project In The News Again

The TLMP have once again hit the headlines. The Belfast Telegraph has reported further on the historical arts project bringing artists from the two main communities in Belfast together. Both Danny and Mark were interviewed by the Belfast Telegraph’s Leslie-Anne Henry.

Both artists are extremely excited by the prospect of working together in Liverpool to help celebrate the European Capital of Culture year. This project which in so many ways reconfirms the City of Liverpool’s links with Ireland is as ever creating a stir in the local, national and international press as well as on radio and television.

To read the Belfast Telegraph’s interview with the artists click on the following link

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/article3379298.ece

Tourists drawn to Belfast's International Wall Murals

Belfast's International Wall on The Falls Road is currently attracting huge crowds of tourists due to two spectacular new murals. Belfast artists Danny Devenny, Mikey Doherty and Mark Ervine who are part of The Liverpool Mural Project have once again shown the world the standard and quality of work that they can produce within this artistic medium.

One of the murals in question is the artists own interpretation of Picasso's famous Guernica painting. The original of which depicts the aftermath of the German bombing of the Basque village of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War in 1937. The artists were recently invited to view the original Picasso painting, which hangs in the Reina Sofia gallery in Madrid before undertaking work on their own version in Belfast.

In an interview with Allison Morris for The Irish News, Mr Devenny and Mr Ervine said it was inspiring to see Picasso's 'Guernica' and that gave them a grasp for what they were taking on.

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"We have both believed in this project from the start and the positive reaction we have been getting from local people and tourists, has helped to reinforce that." Danny Devenny

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"What was a complex and disturbing portrayal of war has since become a symbol of peace, something we can fully relate to in Northern Ireland." Mark Ervine

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The second Mural is an excellent tribute to the volunteers of the International Brigades who went to fight against Fascism in the Spanish Civil War between 1936 - 1939.

Speaking at the official unvieling, West Belfast MP, Gerry Adams described the murals as eloquent, moving, inspirational pieces of political art.

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"The representation of Picasso s Guernica reproduced here is a potent reminder of the savagery of war and the obscenity of fascism. Everyone involved in this piece of work are to be commended for one of the most potent political murals to be produced in a long time."

The TLMP is extremely privileged and excited to have these artists on board, and these latest murals once again show the kind of quality on offer to Liverpool during it’s 2008 Celebrations.

Professor and Author Phil Scraton of Queens University Belfast, backs Liverpool Mural Project

Respected Queen's University Professor Phil Scraton author of the acclaimed book
'Hillsborough: The Truth' wrote to TLMP confirming his full backing and support for what we plan to do in Liverpool in the coming year.

“I am surprised and dismayed that the Liverpool Culture Company has declined financial support for The Liverpool Mural Project in anticipation of the '08 celebrations.

"As a Liverpudlian, now living and working in Belfast, I am deeply committed to developing and consolidating the strong historical and contemporary links between the two cities. One of the great successes of both cities is the strength and resilience demonstrated by our working class people in overcoming adversity, political and economic, in building cross-community alliances aimed at embracing diversity rather than allowing its worst excesses to destroy our lives. Both cities have emerged from economic marginalisation and inter-community conflict and experiencing the struggles of transition".

"On the 4 August 2007, I was with some of the Belfast artists who are part of The Liverpool Mural Project along with other helpers as they reproduced Picasso's Guernica on the world famous International Wall. Alongside, they were painting another mural on the International Brigades defiance of fascism in the Spanish Civil War. The power of murals to represent the mood and emotions of a community is more than symbolic.”

"It is my sincere conviction that the The Liverpool Mural Project, should it come to fruition, would make an outstanding contribution to the '08 celebrations. If the Project had been put forward in Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, San Francisco, Athens and so on - the list is endless - I am convinced it would have received support. I urge the Culture Company to think again".

Professor Phil Scraton
Author of 'Hillsborough: The Truth'.

Northern Ireland Murals are UK's Top Attraction.

Northern Ireland Murals are UK's "best tourist attraction", according to a leading travel writer, Simon Calder, The Independent's travel editor.

The Independent described the wall paintings as "an open-air gallery"

Lisa McMurray of the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau said of such good praise: "Visitors coming to Belfast do show a great interest in visiting the murals, which are of course an interpretation of Belfast's political history. But over the recent years they have evolved to also depict the city's cultural, artistic and sporting past."

The very fact that The Liverpool Mural Project has procured the talents of some of the best artists Belfast has to offer, to work wonders with communities in Liverpool can only boost the city's image to the world during The European Culture year.