Loved: Loving Open Eye in general I love all their stuff – Regenerative farming and poets was especially fantastic, and RAVE ON. The Walker Art Galley – Conversations exhibition and in particular a piece by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley where I got to experience a pro black pro trans space that also generously found space to consider and include me as a white trans person. It was interactive, engaging and liberating. I got to bury my dead name which was very emotional, cathartic and I felt seen.
Looking forward to: A shameless plug! I’m looking forward to the launch of my book A [Cupbard] full of Tomboys at Rough Trade Records Liverpool on 19th March which I will perform as a TRANS industrial techno meets uplifting /dance dance beat poetry experience. I’ll be accompanied by Meave aka Quieting who will bring the sounds and sequencers. We are connected through our mutual relationship with being trans and will be exploring how that has reshaped how we experience time. We both lived for decades outside of our true selves! What happened in those years?? So it’s about loss and missing time, but also celebration and joy of finally getting to be ourselves. It’s gonna be FUN and inclusive for all 🙂
Trivia: I D-locked myself to a hat stand in the Swiss Embassy once.
DoES Liverpool is a dynamic, community-driven creative hub located in Liverpool’s Fabric District, designed to support all kinds of makers, creatives, and entrepreneurs. It’s a space where individuals come together to collaborate, innovate, and learn. DoES provides the resources and environment needed to turn ideas into reality.
With a fully equipped makerspace, flexible coworking areas, and a vibrant calendar of events, DoES Liverpool provides the tools, space, and community needed to turn ideas into reality.
Mike Gorman helping a visitor at the monthly DoES Liverpool Repair Cafe
The Origins of DoES Liverpool
Set up in 2011 DoES Liverpool was formed by a group of five people, including Adrian McEwen and John McKerrell are still actively involved.
Adrian McEwen explained the inspiration behind DoES Liverpool: “We wanted to get access to the new fabrication tools like 3D printers and laser-cutters, and realised that while it’s hard to afford them or find the space for them individually, we could group together and get them collectively. That extends out to the wider community too: the more the rest of the city knows about them, the more epic stuff will come out of the city.”
DoES member Andy Green Checking Over A Sewing Pattern
A Space for Collaboration and Innovation
DoES does a lot of things. It’s a maker space, it has co-working spaces and an events venue, all with the goal of helping individuals, communities and businesses thrive. What is immediately clear about DoES is that it encourages a sense of community from the off. In the space there’s constant knowledge sharing, hands-on learning, and cross-industry partnerships taking place.
Wandering through the space with Jackie of DoES Liverpool, I met people working on all kinds of interesting projects that were possible thanks to the support of DoES.
Mike Gorman, a member of the DoES Liverpool community, said: “DoES gives the folks of Liverpool an amazing toolbox for making an incredible range of art, craft and technology ideas real.
He added: “Couple this toolbox with the community of people with a diverse and comprehensive range of knowledge and skills that also call DoES their home base, then the chances of your idea becoming a real item increases significantly.”
A Maker Night attendee using one of the sewing machines
DoES Liverpool’s Makerspace
Now, if you’re an individual looking to get help with a project, you’ll be glad to know the team are super-friendly and supportive. Their monthly maker days are a great way to dip your toe into the creative world of DoES and all the amazing equipment and resources they have on offer.
DoES is for everyone, from complete beginners to pros. It’s this mix of people that make the space so special.
I called into DoES’ Maker Day in December and there was so much buzz about with lots of things to experiment with. I made some Christmas cards and wrapping paper by using some in-house 3D-printed rollers and paint. I also had a 3-d printed book end printing off while I worked.
DoES Liverpool has earned high praise from its community members.
Tristan Brady-Jacobs said: “DOES is a rare and wonderful community with resources. you can access kit and equipment you’d never afford or know how to keep working but more importantly gain advice and teaching from the helpful enthusiastic skilled and friendly DOES-folk.”
He added: “It’s a platform and a place to think and I have found it a vital component for my artistic endeavours and for the success of the pub I run.”
At DoES Liverpool, the makerspace is equipped with a wide range of cutting-edge tools and resources that enable individuals to bring their creative ideas to life. Here’s a look at some of the key equipment available.
Matt C making a NixOS logo for EMFCamp NixCamp village, thanks to some free acrylic donated to DoES Liverpool by Rebecca G
Makerspace Materials
Laser Cutters
3D Printers
Sublimation Printer
Heat Press
Vinyl Cutters
CNC Router
Electronics Bench
Sewing and Knitting Machines
Woodworking Materials
You can find a detailed list of all of the tools and equipment available via DoES Liverpool’s Wiki.
With the help of all this equipment you can experiment, create, and bring your ideas to life with professional-grade tools, whether you’re working on a small personal project or a business venture.
Among the many tools available at DoES Liverpool, laser cutters stand out as a key resource for makers and businesses alike, offering precise and versatile ways to bring creative ideas to life.
Rachel of asaase.arts working on some of her earrings at one of the DoES Liverpool laser cutters
The Power of Laser Cutting
Laser cutters are a great example of how DoES Liverpool supports businesses and individuals alike. Many people visit the space to explore how laser cutters can be integrated into their work—whether it’s for acrylic or wooden jewellery, cardboard packaging, boxes for electronics, or other applications.
Having access to a shared laser cutter makes sense for many businesses, as they are expensive to purchase, require a lot of space, and have high maintenance costs. DoES Liverpool has several members who have been using their laser cutters multiple times a week for six or seven years. Others have eventually invested in their own laser cutters after learning the skills and proving their business ideas.
The laser cutters have been beneficial to one DoES member in particular;
Andy Green of 3D Primo said: “I’ve been using the laser cutters at DoES Liverpool on a wide range of projects for several years. Last year, I started experimenting with laser-carving replica woodblocks based on Hokusai’s Great Wave off Kanagawa.”
He added: “The team at DoES were brilliant, firstly by sharing their wealth of expertise, secondly by encouraging me to take it further and thirdly by putting me in touch with relevant print experts who could advise on some of the finer detail.
“I’ve since started running Great Wave taster experiences giving hundreds of people the chance to try their hand at recreating this timeless masterpiece.”
Coworking Space
Beyond making, DoES Liverpool also offers flexible and collaborative co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and the option to use DoES as a virtual office address. This service allows individuals and businesses to receive mail at DoES Liverpool’s address and even register it as their official business location.
The space is home to a wide range of professionals, including web developers, translators, and those working on mutual credit services, creating a unique cross-pollination of ideas between different industries.
Beyond providing a workspace for individuals and businesses, DoES Liverpool is also a hub for learning, collaboration, and community-driven events.
Events & Event Space Hire
DoES Liverpool hosts a variety of regular events and workshops designed to support both beginners and experienced makers, offering valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking.
There’s art and craft workshops as well as technical workshops including coding, electronics, and 3D modelling, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with new technologies. Further to this, DoES’ Hackathons offer a platform for problem-solving and teamwork, encouraging participants to push boundaries and develop innovative solutions.
Additionally, their Maker Events provide a vital space for people to learn, experiment and work on projects related to computing, laser cutting, 3D printing and much more.
Regular Free Events At DoES Liverpool
Maker Night – Every Thursday, 7 – 9pm
Maker Day – Second Saturday of every month, Midday – 6pm –
Plastic Playgroup – Second and Fourth Sunday of every month, 2 – 5pm.
Repair Cafe – Third Sunday of every month, 11am – 3pm.
DoES Liverpool also offers a Boost Membership scheme, where individuals can apply for a three-month funded desk or workshop membership to develop their ideas. This initiative ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent people from accessing the resources they need to innovate. More details on current Boost members can be found on their website.
Feature – @nil00151 using our new larger heat press Kay (donated by Kay from @jellyliverpool ) to set hand painted and airbrushed fabric paint on some high end t shirts
Bringing Ideas To Life At DoES Liverpool
DoES Liverpool stands as a vibrant hub for innovation, creativity, and collaboration. With its cutting-edge makerspace, flexible coworking areas, and diverse event offerings, DoES provides the tools and community needed to turn ideas into reality. The space fosters a collaborative environment where makers, entrepreneurs, and creatives can learn, innovate, and grow together.
The impact of DoES Liverpool is evident in its ability to support local businesses, drive economic growth, and attract talent and investment. By connecting people and encouraging the exchange of ideas, it has become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s creative and tech industries.
If you’re looking to be part of a dynamic community or need a place to bring your project to life, DoES Liverpool is the place to be. Visit, get involved, and experience firsthand how this innovative space can help you turn your ideas into action.
DoES Liverpool isn’t just a space—it’s a movement. Step inside, get involved, and watch your ideas come to life.
Read more of our Features with Culture Network LCR members, including Culture Radars, curated events listicles and more. If you’d like to pitch an idea or be featured, please contact [email protected].
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Co-Founder, One Fell Swoop, Ally Goodman.
Loved: The Mandela8 screening of ‘London Recruits’ at FACT with several of the ‘recruits’ themselves in attendance who fought against apartheid in South Africa was an incredibly moving evening. And the free lunchtime concerts at The Tung Auditorium are always fantastic – well worth seeking out.
Trivia: I managed to convince the OFS team to sponsor the ‘This Is Tranmere’ podcast in support of my beloved Rovers. Let’s hope it’s not a non-league podcast next season!
This week’s Culture Radar guest is Liz Barker, the Director and Founder ofMarch for the Arts, Arts Activism and Supporting Creatives.
Loved: The River of Light was fantastic as always, I particularly enjoyed the ‘Bubblesque’ and ‘Firefly Field’. Over the festive period I loved getting to see Alice in Wonderland at Shakespeare North Playhouse, and the Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto Rapunzel. I also think the Lights Up on Liverpool Exhibition in Central Library is a must see for anyone interested in Liverpool’s arts heritage, it’s beautifully curated by Arts Groupie.
Looking forward to: I’m keen to visit The Holly Johnson Story before it closes in July at the Museum of Liverpool, take one of Arts Groupie’s Theatre Walking Tours, and see Shirley Valentineat the Everyman. And as a life long fan, I’d be remised if I didn’t mention, I’m very excited that The Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen is coming to play Anfield in the summer.
Trivia: People might be unaware at March for the Arts we offer free advice and consultation to freelancers and arts organisation relating to working better in the arts. We also have a guidance document called Working Guidance for Arts Freelancers and Organisations that can be accessed for free via our website.
Participants getting involved in one of the 20 Stories High and Graeae outreach sessions
“A reassuring reminder of how many organisations and creatives within our community want to continue to curate access-informed spaces.” – Claire Beerjeraz
The Access Manifesto is a bold call to action for greater inclusivity in the arts, developed by 20 Stories High and Graeae Theatre Company. Shaped by the voices of young Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent people, the manifesto provides a practical framework for arts organisations to create truly accessible spaces. Here’s the story of how The Access Manifesto was created.
How High Times and Dirty Monsters Led to The Access Manifesto
The Access Manifesto was created after 20 Stories High and Graeae Theatre Company collaborated on their award winning show High Times and Dirty Monsters in March 2023. This production explored the challenges faced by young Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent people today. To create this show, they worked with over 60 young people and young adults from across the UK, including Liverpool, London, Leeds, Chester, and Manchester.
Through workshops, research and development weeks, and one-to-one sessions with young Disabled people, the teams listened to their lived experiences, thoughts, and feelings to shape the show. This process gave 20 Stories High and Graeae the opportunity to connect with more young people and make sure their voices were at the heart of the production. The show explored key issues around disability, the education system, family, work, the cost of living crisis, and parenthood, highlighting the intersections of Disability and everyday life.
Through these conversations, it became very clear that change was urgently needed, especially in the arts sector.
The Access Manifesto Screening and Workshop event at the Museum of Liverpool
Listening, Creating, and Taking Action: The Birth of The Access Manifesto
Maisy Gordon, an actor in High Times and Dirty Monsters, and Ayzah Ahmed, a Graeae Young Company member, recognised the need for continued activism. They found that many arts spaces were not only failing them but were also neglecting the majority of disabled people they worked with.
20 Stories High and Graeae led sessions in Liverpool and London to learn more about how young disabled people feel within theatres and the arts. The sessions were focused on creativity and discussion. The participants in the sessions created poetry, music, artwork, devised scenes, stand up comedy and wrote songs in response to the conversations that took place.
“One of the biggest topics that came up in the workshop was how few disabled people are seen on stage. It’s not just about young disabled creatives needing to see people like them in the arts, but also about young disabled people wanting to see themselves in stories and characters, just like everyone else. The lack of representation is really harmful to disabled people in our community. It makes us feel invisible and excluded. Representation matters, and right now, there’s a big gap that needs to be filled.” – Maisy Gordon
Ayzah and Maisy then collected all of the thoughts, ideas, and provocations to develop a practical, step-by-step guide aimed at helping arts organisations and venues take significant strides toward making the arts more accessible for young audiences, participants, and artists. This is how The Access Manifesto was born, a tool made by those who are directly impacted to inspire and guide the arts sector towards a more inclusive future.
The Access Manifesto screening and workshop at the Museum of Liverpool
The Access Manifesto Screening & Workshop Event
In January, 20 Stories High in collaboration with Graeae Theatre Company held a screening and workshop event for The Access Manifesto. The event was open to artists, organisations and leaders to come together and watch the film, learn about the available resources and share learning around accessibility. Taking place at the Museum of Liverpool, the event had over 60 creatives attend, and start to take action.
“It was fantastic to go to 20 Stories High’s Access Manifesto launch event and see so many local theatres and arts organisations fully engaged in coming up with solutions to remove barriers for disabled creatives and audience members.” – Laurance Clark
Hosted by Paislie Reid, Maisy Gordon and Jayden Reid, the event allowed participants to start working on their ‘access tracker’, a resource available online that helps plan accessibility improvements for the short and long term.
“In the lead up to the event I felt safe to ask for what I needed and this was fully supported. It was so useful to talk to other organisations big and small about how they are currently making lasting change and what initiatives they are using to do so. It was a safe, supportive and innovative space.” – Abigail Middleton, Liverpool’s Royal Court
The Access Manifesto screening and workshop also saw 23 individuals and organisations pledge to follow the manifesto, and continue to develop their accessibility going forward.
Left to Right: Maisy Gordon and Paislie Reid of 20 Stories High, speaking at The Access Manifesto screening and workshop
The Access Manifesto Film & Resources
The Access Manifesto is a film performed and written by Ayzah Ahmed and Maisy Gordon, and interpreted by Jayden Reid that features poetry and 8 Manifesto points. The Manifesto can also be accessed as a document in various different formats including large print, dyslexia friendly and easy read. You can watch or read The Access Manifesto here.
Since the launch of The Access Manifesto in July 2024, Maisy Gordon has worked with the organisations to release multiple guides and resources to accompany the film. These were aimed at spreading more awareness around disability, access and how to practically use The Access Manifesto as a tool.
A highlight of these is the ‘Using The Access Manifesto’ guide, a document that goes into more detail about each manifesto point in a practical way and gives examples of free and paid ways you can improve access in your venue, organisation or practice.
Pledge to Follow The Access Manifesto
20 Stories High and Graeae are inviting individuals and organisations to join in a collective effort to promote accessibility in the arts. By pledging to follow The Access Manifesto, you’ll play an active role in helping to create lasting, meaningful change in the sector.
With World Book Day coming up on 6 March 2025, this month we decided to look at some Buried Treasure that stems from the writing desks of Liverpool. We asked our friends at Liverpool Literary Agency, a collective of contemporary writers about the local authors from the past that encouraged them to pick up the writing pen.
J.P Maxwell
Nicholas Monserrat wrote The Cruel Sea about the Battle of the Atlantic in WWII, which made the water itself the villain as a force of nature. Monserrat was born on Rodney Street and himself served during the conflict. This book was an early read which stuck in my head, especially during choppy ferry crossings to Ireland which I frequently made as a kid. No U-boats or Destroyers on the Irish Sea though, only fellow passengers swilled up on Guinness and Paddy Whiskey.
Flash forward to now and seafaring – or rather control of the sea – is at the heart of my two books; Water Street and The Americans of Abercromby Square. The advent of the screw propeller in the mid-19th Century was every bit as important as the railway in terms of how modern trade developed. Throw in slavery that was at the centre of the American Civil War and the transition of the United States into a superpower and it all boils down to that cruel sea, mistress of vast wealth and mass diasporas at the same time.
Zoe Richards
I’ve been influenced by a number of northern authors, and it’s been difficult to pick just one, but I’m going to go with a playwright. In about 1987 or 1988 (it was a long time ago!) I met Willy Russell at an event at his son’s school (a friend of mine taught at the school). He talked a bit and then he performed from Shirley Valentine, and I forgot he was a man reading the part of a woman because of his sensitivity with his words and performance. He was totally relatable and real. His writing was sharp and witty and tight, and he personally was kind and generous.
That event one summer’s evening inspired me and kept me going with my writing, albeit it took me a long time to realise my own dream. but Willy Russell showed me that ordinary people from ordinary northern backgrounds could weave our way in what felt like a very southern centric world.
Ten Years On The Parish is a work that reveals hardships and unflinching observations of the poverty experienced in Liverpool between the World Wars. The book illustrates an uncompromising, graphic account of the unemployed struggle in Liverpool and the first Hunger March of 1922.
Garrett’s writing reveals a man of principle and a character that demands admiration. In his writings we see the very essence of the indefinable Liverpudlian spirit, which contains toughness blended with a subtext of tenderness.
Garrett wore many hats in his lifetime and is a working class renaissance man for he was a merchant seaman, a writer, a playwright, a radical activist and a founder member of Liverpool’s Unity Theatre. Which according to Alan O’Toole, ‘took both literature and the ‘message’ straight to the people on the streets.’
His catalogue of work, despite the hardships he suffered, is exceptionally impressive. Penning three plays overtly influenced by the new realism of American playwright Eugene ONeill (writer of acclaimed ‘Long Day’s Journey into the Night,’ recognised by the actress Jessica Lange as the greatest American play).
I have been influenced by his attitude of getting things done and also juggling many different projects weaving a tapestry of a creative career.
His approach inspired me to write my love letter to Liverpool, blending magic realism, humour and urban folklore in my novella The Liver Bird.
Keep an eye out for World Book Day Events in the Liverpool city region via our What’s On listings.
Loved: I saw The Feral Parakeet at the Smithdown Arts Hub where poetry, words and avant-garde jazz improvisation merged. It was inspiring. Time talking with my friend and fellow writer, Sue Comer, about what we write and why. I went wassailing down south in the freezing cold, a reminder of origins. When possible, I go to any of the galleries to quieten my mind. A pint in The Caledonia – beer, conversation and music.
Looking forward to: The WOW Pulp Idol Grand Final full of brilliant new writers but I’m in The Studio Below that weekend for the Weird and Wonderful Festival (I’ve a tiny part in Mick Francis’ Wheat is What We Eat and I’m also directing Lauren Blakeway’s The Fox). Opening our new premises on Wood St for rehearsal and performance. Liverpool International Jazz Festival. A long way off yet but the Liverpool Fringe gets better each year.
Trivia: I write to the sounds of discordant, arrhythmic jazz. My pet’s names reveal my like of absurdism – Mortimer, Vic and Bob. Art changes the world so never stop being a revolutionary. The other side of my brain loves a good spreadsheet. Street protest politics brought me to theatre.
This week’s Culture Radar guest is the Artistic Director, A Place for Us Theatre, Kate Allerston.
Loved: I have really enjoyed the NPO events programme at Norton Priory in Runcorn, where I have been fortunate to be one of the Artistic Directors, along with my husband Chris Bastock, in 24/25. This includes the events around the Gaia (Earth) installation, the outdoor and indoor theatre & concerts programme and the events currently around the Mars installation (until 9 March 2025).
Looking forward to: I am really looking forward to being at Shakespeare North Playhouse for several of our productions this coming summer.
Trivia: I have been an actor & director for over 30 years, starting at the Liverpool Playhouse Youth Theatre as a young teen, then went on to study acting in London at LAMDA, lived/worked in London for all of the 90s and early naughties and was one of the founder artistic directors of the now international and Shakespeare Schools Festival (now Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation) and returned to work in the arts across the LCR in 2005.
Loved: I thoroughly enjoyed An Evening with Talking Heads (which was made up entirely of a cast of current and ex-MAD students) and the What Happens Next competition by Tip Tray Theatre, both hosted at The Hope Street Theatre. Stocking Fillersat Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre was another highlight, directed by my brilliant colleague, Sam Donovan.
Looking forward to: I’m particularly excited for On The Banks of The Royal Blue Mersey (despite being a Red!), Someone You Loveby SevenBlu3, Northern Comedy’s No Sex Please, We’re British– all at Hope Street – and The Merchant of Venice 1936at the Playhouse, and The Peaceful Hour at Liverpool’s Royal Court.
Trivia: Next year marks the 25th anniversary of Performers Theatre School, which has introduced thousands of children to drama, dance, and singing. We began on Bold Street in 2001 and moved into our current studios on Hope Street in 2015, which are also home to MAD in the evenings and Rare Studio BTEC and Intensive students on weekdays. The opening of The Hope Street Theatre in 2017 helped transform the building into a vibrant creative hub. It’s been incredible to see the space evolve into a thriving centre for the arts, with so many talented people coming together to create and share their work. And now, with amazing food courtesy of the Arts Bar, there’s truly something for everyone here, from aged 2 to 99!
This week’s Culture Radar guest is the Executive Director,Collective Encounters, Tessa Buddle.
Loved: I’ve been on maternity leave for the best part of a year so I’ve been loving our region’s family friendly cultural offer. Favourites have been Sling and Swing It (a baby-wearing dance class) run by Travelled Companions at 24 Hope Street, the brilliant Africa Oyé, the seasonal rituals at Squash Liverpool, and Collective Encounters’ sound journey ‘Voices on the Streets’ – a great way to connect with the city while on a pram walk!
Looking forward to: I can’t wait to get out and see some theatre. For starters, the new season at Unity is looking really good and I’m eagerly awaiting the DaDaFest programme.
Trivia: Did you know Collective Encounters is 21 this year? We’ve got some exciting plans to mark the occasion including the launch of a new digital archive documenting two decades of theatre for social change in the Liverpool City Region.
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