We are proud to have co-signed this Statement of Solidarity with cultural organisations, artists and networks across St Helens and the Liverpool City Region. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued, respected and able to belong.
A message to St Helens and all communities across our City Region.
Through our work and conversations across communities we have heard growing concern about the impact that recent events and public rhetoric are having on people’s sense of safety, belonging and visibility. We know that many people, including LGBTQ+ communities, trans and non-binary people, refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, alongside their families, friends and allies, may be feeling particularly affected at this time.
As arts organisations, networks, artists, and cultural workers, we want to reaffirm the values that guide our work.
The cultural sector exists to bring people together, create opportunities for connection, and imagine new possibilities. Across our towns, cities and regions, we work alongside artists, residents and communities to create spaces where different lived experiences, perspectives and stories can be shared, heard and valued.
Our work is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity and curiosity. We believe that everyone deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to participate fully in cultural and community life.
We know that our communities are strengthened, not diminished, by diversity. Attempts to blame, marginalise or scapegoat particular groups often distract from wider social, political and economic challenges, while causing real harm to individuals and communities. We reject narratives that seek to divide people from one another.
The richness of our neighbourhoods in St Helens and across the region come from the many people, experiences, identities and histories that have helped shape them. We remain committed to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces where people can come together across difference, build understanding and belong. We are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to contribute, participate and be heard.
At a time when many people are looking for reassurance, we want to be clear: our cultural spaces are places of welcome, dignity and belonging. We stand alongside all those who experience exclusion, discrimination or hostility because of who they are, where they come from, or how they identify. This includes our continued support for LGBTQ+ communities, including trans and non-binary people, and for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who contribute so much to the social, cultural and economic life of our communities.
Through our art programmes, partnerships and work alongside communities in St Helens and across the City Region, we remain committed to listening, learning and creating spaces of care, creativity and possibility for all.
Signed
The Culture Network LCR and representatives of the St Helens arts community.
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