In a matter of weeks, Liverpool will welcome hoards of fans as artists from 37 countries descend on the city for Eurovision 2023.
Ahead of the song contest celebrations, the UK’s city of music is sharing its love for Ukraine with pop up street art exhibitions dotted around the city’s attractions.
Eurovision street art celebrates Ukraine and Liverpool unity
Liverpool hosts Eurovision 2023 on behalf of 2022 champions Ukraine. Ukraine originally expressed its intentions to host the contest, but those hopes were dashed by the ongoing Russian invasion.
To show solidarity with Ukraine, Liverpool is staging a full-scale Eurovision celebration with Ukrainian culture displays all over the city.
Floral art displays line the streets of Liverpool ONE, the city’s foremost shopping district. The ‘Blooming Beautiful’ campaign adopts a springtime theme, with stunning floral creations adopting the Ukrainian gold and blue colour scheme.
Liverpool ? Ukraine
— Oliver Adams ? (@adamsOliver_) March 26, 2023
We’re almost ready for #Eurovision ! pic.twitter.com/hqThGSkmE5
On Paradise Street, you’ll find a swinging bench adorned with sunflowers and hydrangeas — a perfect Instagram opportunity for passers-by.
Elsewhere, on Peter’s Lane you’ll find an octagonal mirror structure fitted with vibrant decals of characters, flowers, and inspiration phrases such as “loud and proud”.
Local artist Rosa Kusabbi, who designed the piece, said: “Finally got to go and see my Peters Square display in Liverpool ONE. [I] was honestly so overwhelmed at the size of it, I’ve never seen my work that big before, I also took the opportunity to take loads of selfies in the mirrors which I designed too”.
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They added: “I loved seeing everyone down there today interacting with my art, it’s such a lovely feeling”.
The iconic Superlambanana has also received a makeover ahead of Eurovision. One all yellow, the top half of the lamb-banana hybrid sculpture is now painted blue to match the Ukrainian flag.
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Liverpool’s EuroFest: 1 May – 14 May
More installations, exhibits and experiences will launch in Liverpool this May as part of the EuroFest cultural festival.
The initiative by Culture Liverpool includes 24 commissions, all of which will celebrate the unity between Ukraine and Liverpool. Nineteen of these commissions are collaborations with Ukrainian artists — Eurovision 2016 champion Jamala is also working on a project EuroFest.
EuroFest will also see ‘The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade’ make its way through the city to launch the Eurovision celebrations. A Ukrainian twist on the Beatles song “Yellow Submarine”, the parade will be “a huge outdoor underwater sea disco” for all to partake in.
What do you think of Liverpool’s Eurovision exhibits? Are you excited for EuroFest? Let us know in the comments below.
Anyone else thing that the zero reference to The Beatles so far is proof that McCartney & Starr have given a firm “no” to any invitation to be involved?
HAHAHAHA
It’s about time Ukraine was included in the events.
I’m so unenthused about Liverpool- since it was announced as the city, everything just seems to be about money- from accommodation to tickets for the show, fanzone and to even the clubs to watch the show! £22.50 just to watch the final in a niteclub only to be kicked out straight after if you don’t have a ticket for whole night! The city just seems to see the contest as a way to gouge fans.
not really liking this corporate art design it lacks authencity but ig we need to see more…
Literally UK spent millions to host Eurovision without being obliged to. But of course, Ukraine is the center of attention once more.
I’m fed up
you and me both …this whole Ukraine soap opera is quite nauseating now.
Oh excuse me, we didn’t realise accounts of human suffering resulting from the unprovoked invasion of a democratic country would be so boring for you.
I really hope we get to see something of the beautiful British countryside or their little medieval cities in the images between performances. Seeing the artists faces on yet another big city would honestly depress me.
According to a BBC announcement a few weeks ago and what artists themesleves have put out, the postcards will show the acts in their home country, and will “innovative techniques” to showcase the links between UK and Ukraine. Not entirely sure what that means, though. I would suggest watching the 1998 postcards which is probably the closest you’ll get to what you are after. And as for your last point, fear not – that’s not happening!