Republic of Garston becomes a reality

May 22 2008 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

A LIVERPOOL suburb is about to declare "cultural independence" from the city, in a bid to become its own cultural village.

Now the search is on to find local talent to make the most of elaborate plans for Garston, as put forward by a team led by artist Alex Corina.

The revolution begins on May 31 with the opening of the "Garston Embassy" – the final installation of the three Culture Year community pavilions – where artist Michael Trainor has transformed the disused Edwardian Wellington school into the headquarters of a mini independent state, including its own flag and passport.

The campaign follows on from the recent re-opening of the Slaughterhouse Gallery, which opened with a new exhibition of the work of Adrian Henri.

The gallery has moved a few yards down the same street to open at new, larger premises on St Mary’s Road.

Run by Mr Corina, it is part of a bigger overall project to revive Garston village by turning it into a hub for creative industries.

A public-private initiative, the Cultural Village Company, has been formed and is looking to sign a five- year lease which will allow them to make use of Wellington School for creative businesses and projects, as well as plans to find occupiers for all the empty shops on St Mary’s Road.

Alex Corina said: "We have been working for five years to establish a cultural village and for the first time we have got the financial backing and there is a groundswell of support of organisations and individuals.

"Garston offers something unique and we want to encourage people to stay here and encourage creative businesses to move back.

"It’s got a wonderful village psychology and environment, where everybody knows everybody and people have been here for generations."

Made in Garston, a brand devised to highlight the artistic output of the village, will also be launched on May 31, and gallery is inviting artists and craftspeople in south Liverpool and Garston to take part in an exhibition to showcase their work to promote and raise the profile of a local talent.

Mr Corina said: "We are asking artists and crafts people such as potters, ceramicists, jewellers and print makers working and living in the area to come to the gallery. and show us their work"

The launch of the gallery in April attracted supporters including Phil Redmond, culture minister Andy Burnham and Maria Eagle MP.

Mr Corina said: "The purpose of the gallery is to showcase local artists and creative people, and to become a bit of a cultural social centre."

The new Slaughterhouse Gallery is open Tuesdays to Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm.

vickyanderson@dailypost.co.uk