Relocation
Open Eye Gallery is currently working on its move to larger premises on the Liverpool waterfront - the new space will be launched in late 2010.
In July 2009 Northwest Regional Development Agency confirmed its contribution of £400K towards the construction and fit-out of the new premises. The funds add to £100K awarded from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, North West. They were applied for with the support of Liverpool Vision, the economic development company charged with the city's physical and economic regeneration.
The Mann Island development, designed by architects Broadway Malyan, is immediately south of the Pier Head, and part of the city's World Heritage Site. The Gallery's move is the final piece of the cultural jigsaw on the waterfront, now home to one of the UK's most impressive concentrations of cultural attractions. It will be rubbing shoulders with Tate Liverpool, the new Museum of Liverpool, the Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum and the Beatles Story.
The Gallery will be accessed from and extends into a spectacular glazed square at the centre of the Mann Island development. Architects RCKa are designing the new spaces, which will be twice the size of the old premises on Wood Street. The two main galleries will be on the ground floor, with archive space and offices on a mezzanine level above.
In the meantime, the Gallery's resources are being focused on fundraising, managing the capital project and delivering a wider programme of organisational development. This programme aims to make the most of the opportunities presented by the move to reinvigorate engagement with the public.
Throughout 2010 we will continue to present occasional events at our Wood Street premises. Read more >
