Strawberry Field Liverpool unveils interactive art piece in collaboration with Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

Strawberry Field has unveiled a new interactive art installation, in collaboration with Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

The ‘Shine On! Wall' features an image of John Lennon’s iconic glasses and lyrics to well-known hit Instant Karma! (We All Shine On!), invites graduates from its Steps at Strawberry Field programmes, which empowers young adults with barriers to employment, to write a personal message on a recycled CD and add it to the ‘Shine On! Wall’, symbolising their achievements at Strawberry Field. 

The artwork was created by LIPA student Steff Norman, who came to Strawberry Field as part of the Learning Hub and was unveiled by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Honorary President at Strawberry Field. The unveiling came ahead of its Steps programme’s summer graduation, a celebration of the trainees who have completed the scheme at Strawberry Field. This summer saw 44 trainees graduate from the programme, with 64% having achieved paid work (BASE stats list only 4.8% of people with a learning disability and 6% of adults in contact with secondary mental health services as being in paid employment). 

Lynne Furlong, Learning Hub coordinator at Strawberry Field said, “From the moment we met Steff, it was clear how passionate he was about the project and how quickly he resonated with the values and culture of Strawberry Field. Throughout the design process, Steff developed innovative ideas which reflected the themes of inclusion, creativity, sustainability and empowerment, while also honouring the centre’s history with John Lennon.

The final design captures these themes perfectly, offering our trainees not only the chance to leave a lasting mark at Strawberry Field, but also the inspiration to keep shining as they take the next steps on their journey. Through this new collaboration with LIPA, we have had the privilege of working with such a talented and passionate artist. It’s been a pleasure to get to know Steff and we wish him every success for what we know will be a very bright future.”

Jamie Fitzgerald, Theatre & Production Technology lecturer at LIPA said, “Steff’s Shine On! wall is a powerful reflection of how creativity can inspire connection and inclusion. LIPA’s collaboration with Strawberry Field has given a meaningful opportunity for our students to engage with communities and create work that resonates directly with them.”   

View more information about the Steps at Strawberry Field programmes here.