FACT Launches Artist Memberships for Studio / Lab

FACT is pleased to announce the launch of Studio/Lab Artist Memberships, granting access to a brand new space purposefully designed for artists, researchers, curators, and technologists to experiment and play. Memberships offer numerous benefits, including:- access to dynamic and adaptable workspaces, the use of a variety of tech and equipment, free admission to events hosted within Studio / Lab, and mentorship opportunities provided by the FACT team.

Studio/Lab embodies FACT's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering creativity in the North West; serving as a hub for local and regional artists to connect, collaborate, and experiment. Located on the building's top floor, it is a co-working space for creatives whose practice is critically engaged and digitally focused. Equipped with mid to high end equipment, including:- new generation technology and entry-level immersive kits, as well as digital production tools, Studio/Lab can support artists across various digital practices.

Studio/Lab offers a variety of specialised spaces tailored to support the development of artistic practice, facilitate experimentation, and test new ideas. The Sound Studio, complete with microphones, a mixing desk, and sound deadening, provides an ideal environment for:- recording voiceovers, discussions, foley, or live streams. The Project Space is dedicated to hands-on work and can be used for soldering, 3D printing, and small scale technical projects. Membership holders can relax in the Kitchen and Lounge, use flexible workspaces for focus time or meetings, as well as access a large Lab space for events and workshops. In the Digital Library, members will find an extensive collection of resources, including:- books on art, film, and creative technology, along with high-performance PCs equipped with specialised software such as:- Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, and Unreal 4 and 5. For those working with moving image, there is a Video Studio equipped with the tools needed for:- editing, colour grading, rendering, and exporting.

Ellie Towers, Artist, said:- "As a Liverpool based digital artist, Studio/Lab has become an invaluable resource to me and our creative community. It provides a supportive environment where creatives are empowered to explore. Being the city's 1st accessible dedicated space for critically engaged artists to use digital facilities, Studio/Lab has inspired me to develop new ways of making, using exciting tech like 3D printers and high-powered computers to render and create films. I can't wait to see how this collaborative atmosphere and access to tools will continue to elevate and enrich arts practices within the North West."

In addition to equipment and facilities, Studio / Lab offers a regular programme of events, with free tickets available to members. Events range from masterclasses led by invited artists, filmmakers, and designers, to social gatherings that bring together artists, curators, researchers, and technologists interested in digital art and culture. Workshops are shaped to support the development of technical skills, with focuses including:- sound recording techniques, software tools such as:- Blender, and filmmaking. Members can attend knowledge sharing opportunities with other artists and creatives who have expertise in a wide range of practices, as well as:- community meetings and informal group critiques, providing a nurturing environment for artists to receive and exchange constructive feedback on their works-in-progress.

Studio / Lab Artist Memberships are available through 3 different options:- Flexi, Full, and Pay As You Go. The Flexi membership provides access to Studio/Lab facilities on a part time basis, complete with benefits such as:- the use of equipment and tools, the option to attend artist development sessions, invitations to exclusive events, and tea and coffee.

The Full membership option offers members increased access to Studio/Lab facilities, alongside an array of premium benefits such as personalised consultations with the FACT team, discounted rates for venue hire, and the option to split membership costs and privileges with a fellow artist. Lastly, the Pay As You Go membership offers an alternative for those who wish to use the space for co-working on an ad-hoc basis, allowing for the use of Studio/Lab's spaces without the commitment of a monthly or annual membership, ideal for visiting artists or those seeking greater flexibility.

For further information, please visit:- FACT.Co.UK.

THE biggest half marathon to take place in Liverpool since 2013 attracted 7,350 runners on:- St Patrick's Day (Sunday, 17 March 2024).

The event featured the 30th anniversary BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and ninth staging of the BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race, which also attracted 520 competitors. Both races attracted a combined total of almost 7,900 finishers on the day.

Entries closed 3 weeks ahead of race day; a 1st for the event. The combined final number of runners finishing the races saw a 3,600 increase on last year's figures.

The event saw new male and female 10 mile course records being set; by the same running club.

Managed and delivered by independent race event organiser BTR Liverpool, this was the 1st event in a busy event portfolio for 2024. Next up is the BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K on Sunday 14 April, more than 1,500 runners have already registered.

First staged in 1994, the half marathon is highly regarded as 1 of the Region's longest established premier road races in the Region and is a highlight in the North West race calendar. It also attracts participants from across the country and globally.

To mark the race falling on St Patrick's Day; BTR Liverpool literally ran away with the green and black theme extending it to race numbers, T-shirts, medals, and hoodies.

The date of next year's race has been announced as:- Sunday, 23 March 2025. Entries are open; and 150 runners have already registered.

Both races started and finished on Pier Head Liverpool on the City's world famous waterfront alongside the iconic 3 Graces:- The Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, and Port Of Liverpool Building.

Loughran School Of Irish Dance from Liverpool welcomed runners to the start line as the runners began gathering.

Liverpool drumming band Batala Mersey gave runners a loud send-off as they crossed the start line, before spurring runners on to the home straight.

The BTR Liverpool Half Marathon was won by Matt Crehan from St Helens Sutton AC in 1 hour 8 minutes 5 seconds. Matt took third place last year. This year he not only moved up 2 podium places; but he also knocked 39 seconds off last year's time.

The male half marathon course record remains in tact. It was set by Dejene Gezimu from Liverpool Harriers & AC in 2017 with 1 hour 5 minutes and 52 seconds.

Second place was Ian Lawton representing Prime Triathlon Coaching in 1 hour 8 minutes 18 seconds. Ian won the half marathon in 2023. Third place was Harry Lupton from Charnwood AC in 1 hour 10 minutes 6 seconds.

First place finisher in the half marathon was Fay Hughes representing Wirral AC in 1 hour 21 minutes 49 seconds.

The female half marathon course record remains in tact. It was set last year by Caroline Brenchley with a time of 1 hour 17 minutes 54 seconds. She beat the previous record set in 2017.

Second place was Isabelle Jones in 1 hour 22 minutes 7 seconds. Third place was taken by Niamh Donnelly from Liverpool Harriers & AC in 1 hour 22 minutes 37 seconds. Niamh was second place last year – but this time took 7 seconds off her time.

The BTR Liverpool 10 Mile Road Race was won by Alistair Rutherford from Liverpool Harriers & AC in a time of 51 minutes 56 seconds. He set a new 10-mile course record by 27 seconds.

The previous record by set by fellow Liverpool Harriers & AC club member Stephen Campbell in 2022 with a time of 52 minutes 23 seconds. Stephen also won last year's 10 miler.

Second place Sam Stratford from HI Runners in 54 minutes 42 seconds. Third place was Bradley Williams from Wallasey AC in 55 minutes 34 seconds.

There was a second top podium place for Liverpool Harriers & AC with first place female in the 10-miler being Rachael Burns in 59 minutes 2 seconds. Rachael also set a new female 10-mile course record by 5 minutes and 59 seconds.

The previous record was set last year by Sarah Carroll from Salford Harriers with a time of 1 hour 5 minutes 1 second.

Second place female was Kelly Hamilton representing St Helens Striders in 1 hour 5 minutes 9 seconds. Third place was Joanne Stanfield from Trentham RC in 1 hour 7 minutes 44 seconds.

All 12 runners who placed were presented with a trophy and prize money.

The 4 overall winners:- Matt, Fay, Alistair, and Rachael; were also presented with a bottle of limited edition Runners Gin.

Runners Gin was produced by Liverpool based Turncoat Distillery in partnership with BTR, as a commemorative item to mark the 30th Anniversary of the BTR Liverpool Half Marathon and label artwork mirrors the race theme.