Workers in Liverpool city centre are being encouraged to make their contribution to Capital of Culture year by creating their own exhibitions and displays within their own offices and workplaces. ‘Face of a City’ is the brainchild of Paul Miller, he wants city centre employers and employees to develop exhibitions of their own artwork, poetry and performances during 2008. | "Liverpool is having a party in 2008, I want Liverpool people to show the world how talented, friendly and community spirited they are." | | Paul Miller |
Paul persuaded colleagues at National Museums Liverpool to create work for a poem art exhibition. He then convinced his bosses to host a display of the work entitled ‘Dare to Dream’ at the Maritime Museum. The exhibition contains the work of 14 different artists all with different inspirations. One employee painted a picture of the Pier Masters house at the Albert Dock surrounded by tourists and workers including some of his colleagues. Another submitted a painting of Grasmere in the Lake District where she formerly worked while a colleague made a collage of photographs of old photographs of his family and friends. Once the exhibition finishes at the Maritime Museum it's hoped sponsors will be found to take it on tour to Liverpool's twin cities Dublin, Shanghai and Cologne. Now Paul wants other employers and employees to take up the challenge and create their own work and performances to be displayed within their workplaces in 2008.
 | | One of the artworks in Dare to Dream |
Paul says he believes the city centre is full of creative talent, “Liverpool is a hive of creative people. Walk in to any shop, office, bar or any other workplace in the city and you’ll find sculptors, painters, thespians, writers and comedians all waiting for the chance to show off their talents. “Liverpool is having a party in 2008, I want Liverpool people to show the world how talented, friendly and community spirited they are.” The projects aim is to open the wealth of talent contained in workplaces across Liverpool city centre, Paul says it would be a genuine community event, “I often hear people moaning about how nothing is going to happen in 2008, I’m not getting involved in those arguments.
“It’s been said that one of the biggest things that influenced the Capital of Culture judges was the people they met. It’s those same people I’m trying to encourage to take the lead and be creative. After all Liverpool is ‘World Capital of Creativity’, a title it has always had, and always will have.” The ‘Dare to Dream’ exhibition is on the Fourth Floor at the Maritime Museum until 21st May 2006. Entry is free. If you're interested in getting involved with Face of a City contact Paul Miller via email liverpoolfh@mersey.com | 
