THE worlds of art and football collide for a new tourist attraction in Liverpool.

Liverpool FC has chosen the Bluecoat arts centre as the venue for its new Reds Gallery, which will celebrate the club and its history.

The first show features photographs of the key people involved in the legendary LFC Boot Room.

Commercial Tourism manager at LFC, Tom Cassidy, said the gallery provides a “much requested city centre tourist connection for the club”.

He said: “Having decided on the idea a while back, we then had to find a venue and the Bluecoat, with its history, culture and location, fits the bill perfectly.

“We are very excited at the potential of this project, as there is a huge cross-over between the two organisations and potential exhibition ideas.

“Visitors can expect a vibrant and entertaining experience which will appeal to non-football fans of all ages, in addition to our loyal followers.”

The Reds Gallery will change its exhibition every three months.

Visitors and fans can also expect to see some alternative pieces influenced by acclaimed artists as well as revealing pictures taken by award-winning photographer Steve Hale, who followed Liverpool FC for more than 30 years.

Entrance to the gallery, which is open seven days a week, is free.

Alastair Upton, chief executive of the Bluecoat, which is based in the city centre’s School Lane, said: “We are proud to welcome Liverpool Football Club and the Reds Gallery to the Bluecoat.

“This is an exciting collaboration that will offer a new, free tourism experience for cultural visitors and followers of the beautiful game alike.Š

“The Reds Gallery will be a positive addition to our current independent retail offer which includes a cafe, bar, music shop, vintage clothes store, world class silversmith and a nationally acclaimed display centre.”

Liverpool FC’s first photographic print exhibition space opens this Saturday, May 14. Fittingly, the Bluecoat’s next exhibition in the main galleries, also from Saturday and until Sunday July 10, will see seven artists from across the world exhibiting their photographs as part of Look 11 – the city’s first ever photography festival.

The arts centre uses its unique spaces to showcase talent and houses a creative community of artists and businesses and runs a participation programme with local communities.

The Bluecoat re-opened in March, 2008, after an award-winning £14m re-development.