Capital of Culture
Already renowned for its maritime, heritage, architecture, music, literature and sport, the Capital of Culture title will stage the cultural party of a lifetime and place the city firmly on the global map as a premier European city.
Working with the city's cultural organisations, creative industries, artists, schools and businesses, its aim is for 2008 to leave a lasting and positive legacy for the people of Liverpool including more jobs, a stronger economy and a better place to live.
Programme
This year's programme celebrates all aspects of Liverpool's identity, and uses the city as a backdrop and stage for some world-class events. So far this year Liverpool has hosted highly successful events and performances such as the Leap Festival, Three Sisters on Hope Street, One Step Forward, One Step Back, Into the Little Hill, Viennese Balls, The Shankly Show and many more.It seems that Liverpool has exceeded expectations already and visitor figures have been incredible, with more than 2.75 million people attending a cultural event or venue in Liverpool since January and in March alone the city's attractions welcomed more than 1 million people.
Integral parts of the programme include the Creative Communities programme, this is Europe's biggest programme of public and community art and it has been running since 2003 and will continue beyond '08.
The Liverpool Commissions is also a central part to the programme. Fourteen independent Merseyside producers and creative to create a new special piece of work for '08 that responds to the city with the aim of giving visibility to the city's vibrant independent creative sector. They include projects such as Spirit on the Water, Babul and the Blue Bear and Twilight City.
And there is plenty more to come this summer with highlights such as Streets Ahead (24 - 26 May), The Tall Ships' Races (18 - 21 July), Mathew Street Festival (August Bank Holiday Weekend), Gustav Klimt: Painting, Design and Modern Life in Vienna 1900 ( 30 May - 31 August) and many, many more.
Get involved
Ways to get involved in this once-in-a-lifetime experience include anything from attending an event to receiving a weekly e-blast. You'll find more details on how to get involved below:08 Ambassador
The only thing that is required is a passion for Liverpool and a willingness to let everybody know how much you are behind what the city is trying to do in the lead-up to 2008. Sign up online providing a short statement about why you love Liverpool and why you're supporting Liverpool 08 and you'll receive a special 08 Ambassador pack and badge.
08 Welcome
Liverpool has created an army of friendly faces to welcome the world in 2008 through the 08 Welcome initiative. There are two ways to become involved. As an individual you can sign up online to join the city's pool of volunteers welcoming visiting tourists. Alternatively, if you're an organisation then you can register for the 08 Customer Service Programme, which is aiming to transform customer service in the city.
08businessconnect
08businessconnect is a free-to-join network of businesses looking for cultural links. There are endless business opportunities connected to Liverpool's status as European Capital of Culture in 2008 and 08businessconnect is the place to find out about them first.
Updates
Sign up to receive the regular 08 Update newsletter by e-mail. Or tell us about your interests and we'll make sure we keep you up-to-date with the latest events, competitions and special offers.
Keep up-to-date with the latest Capital of Culture news and events at www.liverpool08.com.