Sun 29 Sep, 11am - 4pm
Blue Room is the Bluecoat’s inclusive arts project supporting learning disabled and neurodivergent artists to make and share work with audiences. Our takeover event celebrates two new festive gift design commissions with LUSH. Past collaborations with the ethical cosmetics company have brought the work of Blue Room artists to a global audience.
From Sat 28 - Sun 29 September, the Lush store will share a window exhibition by Tess Gilmartin who uses bright colours and expressive marks to create joyful paintings inspired by nature. Gilmartin’s large scale mixed media piece Horse Big is the featured artwork for this year’s Lush advent calendar box.
On Sun 29 September, head to the store’s first floor to discover artworks created by Blue Room artists hidden amongst the sensory delights of Lush products. Inspired by Kayleigh Murray’s Gingerbread Party design for a knot wrap and gift box, a mischievous troupe of gingerbread characters will form a sculpture trail around the shop floor.
Visit drop-in creative workshops led by our artists and allies from Project Collective exploring topics such as celebrating diversity and the importance of making information accessible. You can also support our artists by picking up a print from our pop-up merchandise stall.
This event is part of Liverpool’s Neurodiversity Arts Festival with the Brain Charity. NDAF 24 is a vibrant celebration of neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives and creative expression, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and providing a platform for neurodivergent artists.
Neurodiversity Arts Festival
The Neurodiversity Arts Festival 2024 will be a vibrant celebration of neurodivergent talent, diverse perspectives and creative expression, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and providing a platform for neurodivergent artists.
Hosted by The Brain Charity and running from 20th – 29th September 2024, the festival will transform Liverpool into a celebration of creativity.
About Tess Gilmartin
Gilmartin’s large scale mixed media piece Horse Big is the featured artwork for this year’s Lush advent calendar box. Earlier this year, the piece was shared as a billboard commission on the exterior of the Bluecoat building as part of the The Lives of Artists Season.
