Bluecoat has received a £210,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to bankroll an ongoing celebration of its heritage.

‘My Bluecoat’ is a programme of special exhibitions, engagement activities and events to tie in with the historic building’s 300th birthday in 2017.

At the centre of the project will be a new website documenting Bluecoat’s history.

The Grade I-listed building’s archive has been digitised for the first time, in collaboration with Blue Coat School in Wavertree and Liverpool Record Office, so it can be uploaded to the web portal.

The site will also host people’s memories of the building, which can be shared on social media, Bluecoat’s website or in person.

In January, the programme of special events will kick off with ‘Art at the Heart of Bluecoat’, a showcase examining the development of the venue as the first dedicated arts centre in the UK.

My Bluecoat project manager, Gavin Davenport, says: “My Bluecoat will bring together the official history of this remarkable building for the first time, digitising archive material held by Bluecoat, Blue Coat School and Liverpool Record Office.

“Importantly it will also capture and bring to life stories from the many people whose lives have been affected by their engagement with the building. The project will aim to make Bluecoat’s history accessible to a broad audience, some of whom will be actively involved in its research, shaping and delivery.

“We are looking forward to highlighting, sharing and celebrating the heritage of this iconic Liverpool building.”

Related posts:

Bluecoat marks 300 years since construction began Royal de Luxe’s Giants in line for Liverpool return Call for artists and photographers to enter North West event Bluecoat to host new exhibitions from learning disabled adults First public art show by Andrew Marr to open in Liverpool Liverpool 2018 celebrations promise ‘incredible time’ for city