BROKEN GREY WIRES ANNOUNCE PLANS TO TRANSFORM LONG-VACANT BOOTLE BUILDING INTO RESIDENCY SPACE FOR MARGINALISED ARTISTS
Broken Grey Wires (BGW) has announced plans to transform the long-vacant former Bedford Road Community Centre building in Bootle into a permanent arts, wellbeing and community space through Sefton Council's Community Assets programme.
Following a competitive selection process, Broken Grey Wires has been identified as Sefton Council's preferred candidate to take on the historic building through a long-term lease, creating a new cultural asset for Bootle while bringing an important heritage building back into productive use after more than a decade of vacancy.
The proposed project will establish an ambitious residency programme designed specifically for artists who face barriers to participation in the arts, including those experiencing mental health challenges, disability, neurodiversity, social isolation and wider social or economic disadvantage.
Research by Arts Council England found that 68% of disabled and/or mentally ill artists experience significant challenges in accessing creative opportunities. Other studies suggest that around 60% of artists with mental health challenges and disabilities feel isolated from mainstream arts communities due to a lack of understanding and inclusivity. Despite growing awareness, disabled artists continue to face substantial barriers to participation, representation and career development within the cultural sector.
Since 2017, the organisation has curated contemporary art exhibitions featuring internationally recognised artists including Pipilotti Rist, Martin Creed, Sarah Lucas and Bill Viola, while also championing emerging artists and creating opportunities for underrepresented voices.
The Bedford Road project will directly confront these inequalities through the development of a supportive, inclusive and creatively ambitious residency programme. Artists will be provided with dedicated time, space, mentoring and support to develop new work, undertake research and build sustainable creative careers.
The project is being developed in partnership with Turner Prize-winning collective Assemble, alongside a team of specialist consultants. The development phase will explore how the historic building can be sensitively adapted to provide artist accommodation, creative workspaces, workshops, community activity and public programmes while preserving its architectural character.
Alongside supporting artists, the project aims to strengthen connections between local residents, community organisations and cultural partners. Through workshops, events, residencies and public programmes, Bedford Road will become a place for creative exchange, learning and participation, contributing to the cultural, social and economic regeneration of Bootle.
Broken Grey Wires director Lizz Brady said: "Broken Grey Wires was founded through lived experience of mental illness, neurodiversity and economic disadvantages. We believe that everyone deserves access to creative opportunities, regardless of the barriers they face.
We are excited to be working with Sefton Council and our incredible partners to bring this historic building back into use and create something special that will have a lasting impact for Bootle and the wider NorthWest demographic."
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “This project is a great example of Sefton Council’s commitment to working in partnership with our communities and the voluntary sector.
"By unlocking the potential of our local assets, we’re creating new opportunities for residents to take part in creative activities, build meaningful connections and play an active role in their neighbourhoods. This project delivers lasting social value and supports the ongoing regeneration of Bootle for the benefit of local people. Bootle is a town of culture, with arts and creative industries at the heart of our ambitions and this fantastic new offer at Bedford Road perfectly demonstrates that”.
ENDS
Broken Grey Wires Arts CIC: The Big Onion, 43-45 Meadway, Bootle, L20 4SZ
Registered Company number: 15186025
Email: info@brokengreywires.co.uk
Website: www.brokengreywires.co.uk
Follow BGW on Instagram: @broken_grey_wires