Hello LMP, my name is Cameron Taylor, I’m originally from Huyton, Liverpool and now living in Co Meath, Ireland. I recently visited Belfast for the film festival, on seeing the incredible work by the artists and meeting those involved with LMP, its quite clear that the energy that all involved bring to this idea would be best served if allowed to showcase in Liverpool. its a truly inspiring concept which unites and embraces, surely these are the attributes one looks for in "culture" I look forward to viewing the Liverpool murals this summer, good luck guys, Cameron.

TLMP's 'Give paint a chance' Premiere screening at The Belfast Film Festival, Saturday 19th April, 4pm

We think that the Liverpool Mural Project is a genuinely creative, exciting and crucial project – we are delighted that our own home city is associated with the project, we have some of the worlds greatest muralists in Belfast – we are very proud of the creative quality and integrity of the work they have continued through the years. We wish them continued success in their partnership with our friends in Liverpool and we are really delighted to be able to premiere 'Give paint a chance' at this years festival.

Michele Devlin DIRECTOR, BELFAST FILM FESTIVAL

For more information on the screening and details of The Belfast Film Festival click on the title of this post.

Hello Liverpool Mural Project,

My name is Elisabetta Viggiani. I am originally from Rome, but I have been living in Belfast for the past 3 years where I research memorials, murals and commemorative plaques to the casualties of the Troubles as part of my PhD project at Queen’s University Belfast. I wanted to express my support for your great project in Liverpool and leave my email address [memorialsoftheconflict@hotmail.co.uk] in case anybody would like to help me with my research.

Ciao a tutti!

Hello Liverpool Mural Project, my name is Alan Mullins, I

live on the Wirral but work in Liverpool and I’m one of the many people who wrote to the Liverpool Echo in support of your project. Just wanted to show my support again and send in my photo, looking forward to the first mural and I’m offering my services if you need any help, I've got my paintbrush ready, cheers, Alan.

My name is Claire Cooper and I am a

freelance journalist concerned with the progress of grassroots arts projects, in Liverpool's year of culture. I recently met with The Liverpool Mural Project and was very impressed by the way it is run with conviction and passion. I can't imagine two qualities which capture more effectively, the spirit of Liverpool. This project deserves the support of every Merseysider and individual who cares about the development of Liverpool. Its links with the Belfast artists show The Liverpool Mural Project’s commitment to highlighting this city's rich history and its message of peace and celebration through the medium of paint, could not be more appropriate.

With our support, The Liverpool Mural Project will be continuing its innovative work, long after 2008.
All the best, Claire.

Liverpool Mural Project on U.S. radio station - WUNC

The Liverpool Mural Project was once again on the radio this week, only this time it wasn’t BBC Radio Merseyside or even BBC Radio Ulster but American public radio station WUNC North Carolina, whose slogan reads, ‘Bringing the world home to you’. In an interview on the popular ‘The Story’ programme TLMP artists Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine talked about their work in Belfast and the plans for murals in Liverpool as part of the 2008 culture celebrations.

The Story hosted by Dick Gordon goes out each week all over the United States. Gordon is the former host of The Connection, and is well-known in the profession as an experienced, seasoned and award winning journalist with an extensive background in both international and domestic reporting. He was a host for the CBC’s This Morning the national current affairs radio programme, he has also served as a parliamentary reporter, Moscow correspondent and South Asia correspondent for both radio and television.

Dear Liverpool Mural Project, my name is Reuben Shiels and I came across the Liverpool Mural Project whilst doing research for my dissertation and thought that it was a great idea. I would like to pledge my full support to the project and have even included a photo of me and my paintbrush to show my enthusiasm. I consider the project's aim of visually enriching urban working class areas with murals, whilst helping to regenerate them economically through the tourism the murals will certainly attract, is a particularly noble one. Living in Northern Ireland myself it is also encouraging to see mural artists, as members of the often opposing communities, working together for the public good. Anyway, good luck, I’d love to get involved in the paintings, or just help out in any way and this would give me a good excuse to visit Liverpool. All the best, Rueben.

Give paint a chance! - TLMP in the newspapers again

Belfast’s Andersonstown News has once again covered the Liverpool Mural Project this week as the artists from Liverpool and Belfast met at The Conway Mill to discuss the latest developments.

In an article by Roisin McManus titled ‘Give paint a chance’ which reported on the plans to bring over three Belfast artists: Danny Devenny, Mark Ervine and Mickey Doc to work with Liverpool artists on the historic project and which is now officially part of Liverpool’s European Culture celebrations. Also attending the meeting was Bill Rolston author of many books on murals. This was the latest of many meetings between the group who hope to announce very soon the location and date of the first mural in Liverpool.

Damien Dempsey adds his voice to Mural Project

With all at The Liverpool Mural Project being big 'Damo' fans, we were very excited to receive contact and support from Damien Dempsey, as it was during a trip to see Damo live in Belfast a few years ago that the idea came about.

Damien Dempsey who was born and raised in Dublin is one of the most highly respected singer/song writers Ireland has ever produced and who has travelled the world as a solo artist as well as opening for the likes of Bob Dylan, Sinead O’Connor and Morrissey.

"The Beatles music has lifted and enthralled the young and old, the protestant and catholic, republican and loyalist, black and white, rich and poor, sane and the insane all around this planet for decades, and in the dazzling brilliance of expertly painted murals the fab four’s image should burn and blaze on the gable ends of Liverpool and spark the imaginations of that city’s offspring and visitors.

I think it would be a travesty not to put this brilliant idea into motion, both for the positive effect it will have on the kids of Liverpool, giving them a deepened sense of pride in what’s great about their home town and possibly also giving them a greater interest in their city’s cultural history and maybe even drawing a few more of them towards a musical instrument (one of the best known cures for anti social behaviour and the saviour of many a young life, including yours truly), and also for the positive effect it will have on the two Belfast communities, edging them a little closer together by means of that great leveller, great music."

.

Damien is very busy touring at the moment and it's great that he has taken the time to write such a great message of support to our historical arts project. Damo now joins his mate Christy Moore on our website and they both know they're more than welcome to turn up and join in the project, either with a guitar or a paint brush, slainte!

Dear Liverpool Mural Project, my name is Carmel Farley, from Netherton. I’d really like to get involved in helping to paint the Liverpool murals for 2008. I think it’s a great idea, I don’t suppose I’ll get on your website cos I’m not famous but I thought I’d send you my photo and let you know I’m ready to help when you get started. Best wishes, Carmel.

Ok Carmel, no problem, you don’t have to be famous to get on our website, although it does help. You don’t have to be an artist, musician, politician, University lecturer, TV star, or Hollywood film director to show your support, and your more than welcome to get involved in the painting, who cares if you haven’t got a BAFTA, OSCAR or PHD as long as you’ve got a paint brush!

So anyone else who wants to help out painting the murals, or just show your support send us your photo with a smile and a paint brush.

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

LIVERPOOL CULTURE COMPANY BACKS PROJECT

In an exclusive interview with Radio Merseyside's Roger Phillips on Monday, Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company Phil Redmond confirmed support and funding for The Liverpool Mural Project. Speaking on the popular phone-in show, Redmond talked about the historic and exciting plans agreed with TLMP for 2008.

"We are very pleased to announce today that we have found a way to support The Liverpool Mural project" Phil Redmond

"It’s the fact that the artists leading the paintings are from both communities in Northern Ireland and are working together for the first time that got me excited, and the idea of ordinary Liverpool people getting involved" Roger Phillips

We hope to have the full interview on the site very soon for everyone to hear Phil and Roger’s enthusiasm for our project as part of Liverpool's official 2008 Capital of Culture celebrations, as soon as we’ve got the MP3 sorted.

NERVE issue 11- featuring TLMP and Promoting grassroots arts and the real culture on Merseyside

In an excellent article by Alison Cornmell on page 6, Nerve magazine, issue 11 features The Liverpool Mural Project

.

"For Liverpool to be the city that hosts the art of this collaboration would be a real highlight in its cultural year"

.

This special issue which is out now also contains a great Merseyside Resistance Calendar for 2008.

.

While the official art world has been gearing up for the celebrations, at Nerve we have been burning the midnight oil, collecting stories of activism, resistance and rebellion. We think that a celebration of the 'People's Culture' is in order: the culture that has shaped the city over many years, and won't end with the dawn of 2009. So, this edition of Nerve is mostly given over to this theme.

TLMP is proud to be associated with Nerve, which more than any other arts publication and website in Liverpool captures Liverpool's real social issues and promotes Liverpool's real culture.

Nerve is available at libraries, community centres, colleges, supermarkets, and all good cafes and bars, or from thier office: Catalyst Creative Media, 85-89 Duke Street, Liverpool, L1 5AP and News from Nowhere, Bold Street, Liverpool City Centre.

Simply click on heading of this post to see the full feature

Irish Prime Minister supports Liverpool Mural Project

The Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of The Republic of Ireland, Bertie Ahern has contacted The Liverpool Mural Project to pass on his support of TLMP.

"Both Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine are highly respected artists in their field and I as Taoiseach wish this project which will see non-political murals showcasing Liverpools cultural and historical past for Liverpool's 2008 European Capital of Culture year every success. I also believe that this project is a wonderful opportunity to show how the peace process can bring together people from all the communities in Northern Ireland. I would like to commend you on your initiative and wish your project every success."

We continue to receive support from a wide range of political parties both in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The Liverpool Mural Project feels justified in its continued stance in creating greater bonds between communities in Northern Ireland as well as between Ireland and Liverpool.

Leading Irish novelist and screenwriter backs TLMP

More support this week for The Liverpool Mural Project from leading Irish novelist and screenwriter Ronan Bennett, who contacted the website to back our plans for Liverpool in 2008. Bennett was brought up in Belfast. He is the author of four novels, including the hugely acclaimed The Catastrophist (short listed for the Whitbread Novel Award) and Havoc, in Its Third Year (winner of the Irish Novel of the Year and long listed for both the Booker Prize and the IMPAC award). He has also written screenplays for film and television. His latest novel Zugzwang was serialised weekly in the Observer in 2006. Ronan Bennett lives in London with his family and contributes regularly to the British and Irish press.

'The Belfast murals are examples of the most vivid, dynamic and democratic kind of art. I would like to offer my support to the art and the artists in their plans to work with people in Liverpool to start an equally vibrant mural tradition there.'

Community newspaper The Irish World covers TLMP

IF it's happening in the Irish world, you'll read all about it in the Irish World. This week they reported on The Liverpool Mural Project. Now in its 20th year, the Irish World has established itself among the Irish population in Britain and Ireland as the newspaper that puts community first and making it the first choice when it comes to news, views and information about Ireland and the Irish in Britain.

"We are an integral part of the Irish community in Britain and we are trusted by that community."

Simply click on heading of this post to see the full feature

Echo letters, 20th November 2007: Murals magic

THE Liverpool Mural Project is important for many reasons.
Firstly, the Belfast mural artists are gifted craftsmen. Whilst their previous work was forged in the cauldron of armed conflict, they are now spreading their wings. Secondly, for both muralists to decide to work in Liverpool means something significant to Liverpool’s Irish community, those who identify themselves as unionists, and all points in-between. Thirdly, the project is democratic in nature. Both muralists have suggested that ordinary members of the public will be able to join them. Finally, the project has the potential to say something profound about Liverpool’s history and heritage, and as a result has caught the imagination of that mythical beast, the ordinary Scouser. I look forward to walking through Liverpool and spotting unique murals that capture the spirit of Liverpool and which tell their own story. Dr Stuart Borthwick, Liverpool JMU

TLMP fatured on Channel 4.com: MURALS MATTER

In an excellent article by Brendan Deeds, the channel 4 website has an exclusive interview with the Belfast artists Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine about The Liverpool Murals

Simply click on heading of this post to see the full feature

From the very beginning of the Liverpool Mural Project's existence we have received excellent reports right across the media world be it local and International press or local and international radio broadcasts. Now the television world has not only picked up on the creative aspect of our mural project, but rightly so, the significance of these mural artists working alongside each other. Channel Four’s excellent website 4 Talent has in the last few days, reviewed the work and commitment of the Liverpool Mural Projects very own Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine. Since the tentative early days when TLMP brought together for the first time these two highly sort after artists, demand for the pairs enormous talents have escalated. With calls for their skills both in their native Belfast as well as across the world this further highlights the enormity of the TLMP’s ability to cross the boundaries of political divide by using art as a means to unite communities.

Echo letters, 13th November 2007: The art of the city

I AGREE with Alan Mullins and Alison Dodd's comments in the ECHO (Nov 6) – large murals of The Beatles are a great idea for 2008.
There are parts of the city that need brightening up with good quality public art, and there is a real desire for Liverpool people to be given the chance to get involved in more projects in their communities.
The exhibition building at the back of the Adelphi would be a prime location as the Adelphi is where the yearly Beatles convention is held. It’s The Beatles that most tourists come here for, give them what they want and they'll keep coming back! Chris Gore, Old Swan

Giant Pudsey mural created for BBC Children in Need

BBC television presenter Christine Bleakley joined forces with Belfast mural artists Danny Devenny and Mark Ervine to create a huge mural of Children in Need’s famous Pudsey Bear in St George's Market in Belfast. Market-goers were given the chance for a small donation to help paint everyone's favourite bear. Danny and Mark who are part of The Liverpool Mural Project were helped by hordes of children, set about the job of painting a 30 foot high mural of the big hearted bear. For six or so hours, many little pairs of hands applied every colour of paint to the huge canvas in the market house.
This is another marvellous example of community art, and helping to raise thousands of pounds for the BBC Children in Need appeal and a fun time was had by everyone who took part. Excellent work by Danny and Mark and all the little helpers and more great preparation for the work TLMP intends to do in Liverpool in 2008. The finished canvas will be hung on the side of BBC Broadcasting House in the week leading up to the Children in Need telethon which takes place on the evening of Friday 16th November.