LIVERPOOL City Council is today launching the next part of its Eurovision engagement programme and there is also the chance for communities to bring their own projects to life.
Following on from EuroFest, the two-week cultural festival, and EuroLearn, the education programme, EuroStreet, will make sure that communities across the city region can bask in Eurovision’s sparkle.
And not only that – there is now an opportunity for everyone to get their own brilliant Eurovision ideas off the ground with EuroGrants of up to £2,000.
A detailed EuroStreet programme will be released soon but events will focus on:
- Festival of Europe – Celebrating the cultures and heritage of all Eurovision nationalities in the city region
- Songs for Europe – Live participatory performances touring residential care settings
- Solidarity Disco Banquets – Food, music and crafts at community-based feasts.
- Chess for Everyone – A huge pastime in Ukraine, celebrated with in-person and online games.
EuroGrants are supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Community organisations and groups as well as schools from across the city region are now invited to apply to fund projects which will take place in May or June.
Projects should use Eurovision as their inspiration, focusing on local cultures, memories and the heritage of the region’s communities.
Applications from not-for-profit organisations will take precedence and projects and events should be free or low cost to attend.
Applications for grants of up to £2,000 must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, 29 March. Culture Liverpool will be joined by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in deciding which projects are successful with decisions being made by the end of the first week of April.
To apply and for a full list of conditions visit the Culture Liverpool website.
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: “One of the most important parts of Liverpool’s bid to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine was our commitment to making sure that everyone had a chance to get involved in the excitement of Eurovision.
“Eurovision is about unity and also celebrating differences and we know that our community organisations and schools will rise to this challenge.
“And that’s what EuroGrants is all about. We know that there are brilliant ideas out there and we want you to let your imaginations run wild! We want to hear your ideas and the more Eurovision-tastic the better!”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Eurovision has a long history of bringing communities from across the continent together and we’re delighted to be supporting the EuroStreets community programme as part of 2023’s event in Liverpool, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
“People and communities across Liverpool will have the chance to play a huge role in celebrating and sharing the rich heritage the city region is home to and seeing their dazzling ideas come to life. We know that they will make Eurovision 2023 a party that won’t be forgotten!”
Peter Ward, producer, Nwoko Arts: “I’ve been a fan of Eurovision since Lulu won in 1969, so to be commissioned to produce a theatre project with and for people living in care homes really makes my heart go Boom Bang-A-Bang!
“Songs For Europe aims to remind lonely, isolated, elderly people living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases that they have not been forgotten and that, whilst their access to public events may be denied or limited, they too can share in the joy of Eurovision and once again express their hopes for peace across Europe – the very principles upon which Eurovision was established after World War II.”
Gosia McKane, of Merseyside Polonia, said: “Eurovision is not just a great opportunity to show how friendly and hospitable Liverpool is as a city, what’s more, it’s a great occasion to showcase the diversity and cultural richness of Liverpool and its European communities.
“This year provides a perfect launch stage for the Liverpool European Festival, and we are proud to be part of the Eurovision Community and Education Programmes. From colourful costumes and folk dances through meeting the masters of European Cinema to entering the most sacred heritage buildings treasured by its European communities. The festival will be like a European tour through Liverpool! Hop on!”
