How to be creative in times of economic crises

A leading media expert from Edge Hill University will join author and actor Alexi Sayle to look at how creative industries can beat the economic crisis.

Professor Roger Shannon, who has 25 years experience as film festival director, writer and broadcaster, will be chairing and speaking at the next Culture and Creativity Research Network (CCRN) on 16^th April.

Hard Times: Creative Liverpool in Times of Crises is a half-day public event which will explore the impact of economic crises on the creative landscape of the city and provide a platform for the creative sector to discuss interventions and new directions.

Organised by the University of Liverpool's CCRN, it is part of Liverpool's City of Radicals programme and will be held at the Bluecoat, starting 1pm.

Professor Shannon will be on a panel that comprises a range of people from many of the area's major cultural institutions, as well as individual artists and practitioners. He and a number of other experts will hold a question and answer session with the audience on a variety of issues regarding the future of creative work on Merseyside.

They will be joined by one of Liverpool's true modern radicals, the acclaimed alternative comedian, actor and writer, Alexei Sayle. Alexei will be reflecting upon his experiences of the previous economic recession in the 1970s and ‘80s and will be offering his views on the lessons that can be learnt from this time.

Talking about the upcoming event, Professor Shannon said: "Liverpool has undergone various transformations and managed to regenerate even in the face of economic hardship. This event will be a great opportunity to discuss ways in which artists and practitioners are planning to meet the challenges of the current economic crisis and will explore avenues for collaboration. I'm delighted that Edge Hill University will be playing a part in this vital debate. I am particularly keen to hear Alexei Sayle's introduction and contribution to this discussion. His edgy creativity as performer, comedian, novelist and short story writer resonates with the uncertain nature of current times."

Other speakers include Lewis Biggs from the Liverpool Biennial, Dec Fearon from the Bluecoat Arts Centre, Patrick Henry from the Open Eye Gallery and Ruth Gould from the Da Da Festival.

This is a free event open to all. However, please contact Dr Nedim Hassan by emailing ned1973@liverpool.ac.uk to reserve a place at what is sure to be a popular event. Alternatively contact the Bluecoat information line on 0151 702 5324.