Well-known local artist, Paul Curtis has been commissioned by the University of Liverpool to create a new work that celebrates the Eurovision Song Contest and calls for peace in Ukraine.
As an alumnus of the University, he has created a mural that depicts global unity and peace, in the lead up to Eurovision which is being hosted in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine.
The painting is located on the Guild Walk, close to the Sports Centre and the Guild of Students on Brownlow Hill and forms part of a wider of programme of events being presented by the University.
Paul Curtis said: “As a former student of the University I was delighted to create this work – especially at this site which is at the heart of the University campus and is such an important location for students. Having Eurovision in Liverpool is really exciting but is a result of the war in Ukraine. I was keen to make sure my work reflected this and to show unity with the people of Ukraine who are experiencing a humanitarian crisis. This is why I’ve used the heart, hands and globe motifs and also included two doves, to represent the pairing of the University of Liverpool and Sumy State University.”
Professor Gavin Brown, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education at the University of Liverpool said: “We’re incredibly proud to see the success Paul has earned since graduating from the University of Liverpool. His work has become iconic in the city and we were delighted when he agreed to create this new work. We’re sure our students will be thrilled to see the striking mural on their campus, especially one that carries such an important and urgent message.”
Paul’s commission forms part of a wider programme of events being delivering in the lead up to Eurovision. Highlights include the transformation of the city centre campus– with University landmarks being given a special Eurovision makeover, including Abercromby Square which has been temporarily renamed, ‘ABBAcromby’ Square.
Undergraduate students from the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film are also working with local school children on a project around learning languages through music that will culminate in a performance at the Tung Auditorium. And closer to the competition itself will be LUMSOVISION: A Celebration of Euro-Pop Through the Decades on Saturday 6 May. Here the Liverpool University Music Society are performing a selection of arrangements of classic Eurovision and Euro-pop pieces from across the decades.
Meanwhile, the University’s Heseltine Institute will continue its programme of dedicated policy briefings throughout the next month.
For the latest information about public events hosted by the University of Liverpool for Eurovision, visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/eurovision/ or follow us on Instagram @livuni.