Blue Room Explore our Collections
Blue Room is Bluecoat’s inclusive arts programme for learning disabled artists. Since 2008, three groups of artists have met weekly at the gallery to explore the exhibitions and create their own work. For this collection, the artists have selected key moments from the vast archive of images documenting their creative experiences.
Bluecoat’s model of inclusive arts grew from a partnership between the gallery and Liverpool City Council, in which contemporary artists collaborated with participants from day services. The aim was to increase access to contemporary art in recognition that learning disabled people faced particular barriers around accessing cultural experiences. Building upon the success of early projects such as The Journey with Leo Fitzmaurice, a pilot project was developed while the building was closed for renovation. Blue Room is a key part of Bluecoat’s creative community and its artists continue to develop individually and as a collective.
Blue Room artists gain confidence in interacting with contemporary art and sharing their ideas with others. The artists explore a wide range of media including drawing, painting, textiles, photography, sculpture, animation, dance and performance. The groups have access to resources such as Bluecoat Print Studio, and collaborate with local and international artists. Blue Room artists are supported to share their skills as volunteers with Out of the Blue, Bluecoat’s programme of after school art clubs for children. Blue Room is a key part of Bluecoat’s creative community and continues to develop as artists, collectively and individually.

2017
Blue Room explore Public View at Bluecoat

2017
Blue Room explore Public View at Bluecoat

2017
Blue Room respond to POOL

2017
Blue Room explore In the Peaceful Dome at Bluecoat

2017
Blue Room and Out of the Blue heritage film project

2017
Blue Room and Out of the Blue heritage film project

2016
Blue Room collaborate with Alice May Williams for Speke of the Future

2016
Blue Room in the Print Studio

2016
Blue Room explore the gallery: Left Hand to Back of Head, Object Held Against Right Thigh

2016
Blue Room and Out of the Blue workshops

2015
Blue Room artists explore the Listening exhibition at Bluecoat

2015
Blue Room and Out of the Blue collaborate with Anne Harild for the Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award (ARMA) Artist Residency

2015
Blue Room and Out of the Blue collaborate with Anne Harild for the Alexandra Reinhardt Memorial Award (ARMA) Artist Residency

2014
Merseyside Mondrian

2013
The Dinner Party: Not Just a Dublin Coddle

2013
Blue Room artists explore Archiving the Arts Centre

2013
The Day of the Dead of Night: Blue Room explore 3am

2012
Blue Room artists explore Topophobia at Bluecoat

2012
Blue Room artists explore Topophobia at Bluecoat

2012
Blue Room artists explore Liverpool Biennial 2012

2012
Art:Connect Liverpool Project

2012
Art:Connect Liverpool Project

2011
Blue Room explore the Look 11: International Photography Festival

2010
Blue Room artists explore Liverpool Biennial 2010: Touched

2010
Blue Room and Sonia Boyce: Like Love Parts One & Two

2009
Blue Room artists explore Slow Magic

2007
The development of the Blue Room project

2004
The Journey

2002
Now Then with Leo Fitzmaurice and Arts For All

2008