Member Article

IFB 2014 to show world that Liverpool means business in culture

Liverpool is set to show leaders from the world of commerce and industry that culture is big business in the city.

An eclectic cultural programme featuring 27 new commissions will run throughout the International Festival for Business (IFB) in June and July.

The new events are a mixture of original initiatives and enhancements to existing projects and include everything from unique concerts and street performances, right through to virtual book fairs and even a special caravan where businesses can create their own jingles.

The aim of the programme is to showcase to delegates and visitors, Liverpool’s ability to host high quality, cultural events which attracts renowned artists, and at the same time, makes the city a global leader in arts and culture.

Some of the programme highlights include:

§ Mondrian And His Music – a collaboration between Tate Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra with free concerts on 7 and 8 June

§ The Sample-ist – A team of creative scientists will use human voice samples to construct a bespoke jingle for businesses.

§ One World Festival – Centred on bringing together the community, this event will showcase diverse musical and dance performances.

§ Working Lives – Here and There – DaDaFest plan to curate a high quality photography exhibition capturing positive images of disabled people at work. The exhibition will be held in a pop-up gallery within Liverpool’s Commercial District.

§ Virtual Book Fair – Writing on the Wall will bring together publishers, writers and readers.

§ Gianni Russo – Static Gallery present an evening with the singer, known for his role in The Godfather, who will perform a Frank Sinatra set.

§ Infecting the City – This large scale event will take place in a city centre location on Friday 11 July and will see 200 dancers, musicians, carnivalists, acrobats and circus performers come together in a performance never before seen in the UK. Brought to the city by Brouhaha, it will mark the beginning of their carnival weekend which aims to bring the sights and the sounds of Rio to Liverpool.

§ Summer Music at St George’s Hall – The Concert Room at St George’s Hall will be the setting for performances by Liverpool Philharmonic throughout June and early July, which will climax in a full production of Mozart’s opera Cosi fan tutte.

§ The orchestra will be joined by the Liverpool based European Opera Centre. The Orchestra will also perform a concert under the baton of Vasily Petrenko in Liverpool Cathedral.

§ Brazilica – Working in partnership with Liverpool Sound City they aim to ‘Brazilify’ the city centre with pop-up carnivals and costume showcases in unexpected locations.

Liverpool City Council’s Assistant Mayor and cabinet member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said: “This will be the most extensive cultural programme, and the most significant cohesive collaboration between cultural, creative, business and visitor economy organisations and agencies, since we were Capital of Culture in 2008.

“Once again our arts organisations have done us proud in helping create a series of events and activities which are high quality, diverse, thought-provoking and entertaining.

“It is all about giving our home-grown talent the opportunity to reach their full artistic potential and produce things which are exceptional.

“Tens of thousands of business people will be arriving in the city during June and July and it’s a prime opportunity for the city to showcase why we have an exceptional reputation when it comes to culture and events.

“And of course the climax of the programme will be the return of the giants, which just goes to show the gigantic scale of the city’s ambitions and the value we put on culture and the economic benefits it brings to Liverpool.”

Nick Birkinshaw, the IFB Cultural Programme Co-Ordinator, said: “The programme is a real feast of festivals, exhibitions, art events, theatre shows, music in all genres, dance, film, new media, street art, flash mobs and creative conversations.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to encourage delegates and visitors to experience the melting-pot that is Liverpool’s cultural scene, and see first-hand the exciting, dynamic creativity which thrives in this city.”

Max Steinberg CBE, chair of IFB 2014 said: “The International Festival for Business provides a unique platform to showcase Liverpool’s diverse cultural offering as well as attracting international talent.

“Tens of thousands of delegates are expected in the city region during the festival and the backdrop of outstanding art, music and theatre will enhance the experience for those who attend IFB as well as attracting thousands of others. It’s another opportunity to drive the city region’s reputation as a cultural capital and a must-visit destination.”

The International Festival for Business is a 50-day business festival hosted in Liverpool city region during June-July 2014. It will be an ambitious global showcase for great British industry across multiple sectors and will champion UK businesses to new markets, new products and new partners.

Comprising over 100 world-class events, the festival is a key part of the Government’s ambition to promote economic growth, rebalance the economy and double UK exports by 2020.

Backed by UK Government, IFB 2014 will cast a light on the spheres of commercial endeavour that are transforming the new economies and business landscapes of Britain and beyond.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .