Liverpool Cathedral is the first cathedral in the UK to join a digital platform that offers users behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive stories and content from more than 1,000 cultural attractions worldwide. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool Cathedral hopes by joining a global digital platform it will attract more people to the city from around the world.
Bloomberg Connects is an app that offers users behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive stories and content from more than 1,000 museums, galleries, gardens and cultural spaces worldwide.
By joining the app Liverpool Cathedral aims to welcome between 700 and 2,200 new visitors. Through the app, users can explore the cathedral and its artwork in greater depth, navigate the space at their own pace, and access essential visitor information.
International visitors can also enjoy the guide in more than 40 languages and access it remotely, meaning if they are unable to visit the cathedral in person, they can engage with the space from home.
There is also a range of accessibility features designed to break down barriers and make art and culture more inclusive. Other partners across 32 countries include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, and National Theatre.
In Liverpool it joins other local organisations such as FACT Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool, The Royal Standard and Bluecoat.
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The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, said: At Liverpool Cathedral, we believe that art and culture should be accessible to all.
“As a cathedral that was proudly built by the people, for the people, we always strive to focus on ensuring meaningful encounters in everything we do.
“Becoming the first cathedral in the UK and Europe to partner with Bloomberg Connects is a milestone we’re immensely proud of.
“This collaboration allows us to welcome even more visitors, both in person and virtually, and to share the beauty of our sacred cathedral in a new and engaging way as visual art in church remains a powerful means of both communication and inspiration.”