The Flag It Up project asked artists from the Liverpool city region to design a flag to be displayed on a large flagpole above the main entrance to the landmark Exchange Court in the city centre

A new public art project is now in place in Liverpool’s commercial district following a collaboration between Bruntwood Works and local gallery dot-art.

The Flag It Up project asked artists from the Liverpool city region to design a flag to be displayed on a large flagpole above the main entrance to the landmark Exchange Court, a Grade II-listed building adjacent to Liverpool Town Hall.

The first artist chosen for the project is Liverpool-born Sumuyya Khader, whose work entitled Black -We Exist is inspired by issues of racial equality and the Black Lives Matter movement. It is now on display outside the building, which is owned by Bruntwood Works, where it will remain until May, when a second artist will be commissioned.

Each commission must be a completely new and original piece of work and address a different issue facing society. The successful artist receives a fee and a one-year artist membership with dot-art.

Exchange Court was originally built in 1858 for the Liverpool and London Insurance Company and its Dale Street elevation is currently home to RBS.   Bruntwood Works regularly works alongside cultural organisations in the Liverpool city region, with recent partners including Sound City, Binary Festival, TEDx Liverpool, Light Night Festival and Farm Urban.

Tony Reed, head of commercial at Bruntwood Works, said: “We have long been committed to supporting our creative communities and actively working with cultural partners to develop and promote innovation and the arts across the city region.

“This is especially important at the moment, when opportunities to enjoy the arts are severely limited, so we jumped at the chance to work alongside dot-art to develop this programme and extend the spirit of our building beyond the spaces within.

“The flagpole at Exchange Court has been unused for many years so it is pleasing to see it brought back to life through the Flag It Up project and create a platform for contemporary art in the heart of the city’s commercial district.”

Lucy Byrne, director at dot-art, added: “Sumuyya’s design touches upon an incredibly important and topical issue for so many people in the city region and beyond. Its vibrant palette also brings a welcome splash of colour and dynamism to the local built environment.

“Flag It Up offers local artists the chance to fly their work proudly above the city and we hope to launch the next open call for submissions from March, so please keep an eye on our website for further details.”