A unique visual arts project highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted and united communities across Liverpool is spreading across the city.
‘Visible Virals’ will see pop-up works in public spaces and venues in neighbourhoods across the city over the next six weeks, bringing to life the city’s Public Health Annual Report 
Digital screens, street art and installations will be used to invite people to interact either digitally, on social media or physically, using the hashtag #wearescousers and the slogan ‘It’s in our DNA’ to show how communities came together to support each other.
It is a partnership between Culture Liverpool and the city’s Public Health team, aimed at provoking public discussion and reflection on the city’s experience of Coronavirus – and encouraging resilience and boosting community spirit as we head into the next phase of responding to and recovering from the pandemic.
The project has been driven by the experiences of people across Liverpool, who were asked for their personal reflections on the pandemic at a series of workshops.
The installations will also explain how and why viruses spread, and how measures such as social distancing, hand washing, face coverings and fresh air mitigate the impact.
Two drop-in events are being held next week for people to share their experiences which will be filmed for inclusion in the project and the next Public Health Annual Report, if they wish:
- The Liverpool Lighthouse, Oakfield Road, Anfield, L4 0UF – Thursday, 17 February, 11am-2pm
- The Florrie, Mill Street, Dingle, L8 4RF – Friday 18 February, 11am-2pm
The finale will take place on the second anniversary of the first lockdown, on Wednesday 23 March, at the Museum of Liverpool where digital screens and projections will draw on the collection of archive materials from the pandemic and there will also be interactive games and installations.
The project has been driven by a collective of Liverpool based arts organisations, with Apt Creative leading on the project in partnership with Focal Studios and Def Proc.
More information about Visible Virals can be found at www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/WeAreScousers
Visible Virals has been made possible through funding from Arts Council England and Public Health Liverpool.
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