Terrace Tapestries will see around 150 people proudly parade banners representing all 32 participating nations through the city centre depicting countries including Japan, Poland, Iran, England, Uruguay, South Korea and Senegal.
Each banner has the flag of the country they are representing on one side, on the other is the artistic response to that country. For example, on the Mexico artwork Frida Kahlo is at the centre of an Aztec sun stone, and a rainbow displayed on Poland’s is a political comment about the lack of LGBT rights the country has.
Many of them are also adorned with the faces of football legends including Mo Salah (Egypt), Sadio Mané (Senegal), Socrates (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Jurgen Klopp (Germany). A couple of musicians are also acknowledged – Bjork features on Iceland’s offering and Fela Kuti on Nigeria’s.
The colourful displays have been created by communities from across the city which took place in special workshops at The Florrie, led by local arts organisation Foto Octo and legendary Liverpool banner-maker Peter Carney.
Everyone is invited to be part of the parade and are being encouraged to head to Williamson Square for 6pm on Thursday dressed in bright World Cup colours.
The parade itself will start at 6.30pm and will take the following route:
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Williamson Square
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Clayton Square
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Along Parker Street
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Down Church Street to McDonalds
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Left onto Paradise Street towards John Lewis
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Right down Thomas Steers Way
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Across The Strand at pedestrian, using the crossing near the Hilton.
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Enters Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, past the Pump House and across Hartley’s Bridge
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Parade will end in Mermaid Court
Following the parade, the banners will go on display at National Museum Liverpool’s Martin Luther King building in the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, for the duration of the World Cup.
Jah Jussa, Co-Director of Foto Octo, said: “Terrace Tapestries is a collective celebration of 32 nations all coming together under the umbrella of football.
“Banners have a knack of bringing people together, highlighting the strength of the collective effort and the way in which people can unite – regardless of their background or footballing loyalties.
“The workshops brought together many diverse groups from experienced artists to people who just wanted to give the sessions a try – it really was a level playing field for all.”
Terrace Tapestries not only signals the start of the FIFA World Cup, but is also the launch of Art of Football – a season celebrating the creative culture and social fabric which underpins football and part of the Liverpool 2018 programme.
Deputy Mayor and cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “The banners which are proudly held aloft in stadium stands are always impactful and showcase the supporter’s wit, their emotion, the causes they’re passionate about and their creativity.
“There is no better way to kick-start Art of Football than with a display of the city’s creativity, inspired by what some regard as the biggest sporting event on the planet.
“It is set to be a wonderful spectacle as it travels through the city centre and gives a taste of the entertaining, thought-provoking and creative events still to come as part of this unique Liverpool festival.”
Art of Football runs from 14 June to 15 July and will see Liverpool host three major exhibitions, a symposium, pop-up cinema and a music festival. Full details can be found at www.ArtOfFootball.co.uk #artoffootball. It is commissioned by Culture Liverpool and curated by Bido Lito! Magazine in collaboration with Foto Octo and Laces Out.
Art of Football is produced in partnership with Scotts Menswear, Albert Dock, Liverpool BID Company, LJMU School of Art & Design, National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool Central Library
Categories: #Liverpool2018 | News
