Liverpool extends cultural, reading, and educational offerings online

Liverpool City Library and the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre (CPAC) have collaborated to increase digital offerings to the community especially during this stay-at-home period.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the digital programs have been reinvigorated to lift the spirits of residents in the southwest in this challenging time.

“Our digital programs first introduced during the March 2020 lockdown continue to pick up in popularity during the current lockdown, showing the resilience and adaptability of people in Liverpool,” Mayor Waller said. “In fact, our Youtube engagement has increased over 700 per cent since the start of the year.”

August highlights include a free, online screening of Australian film Unsound to mark LGBTIQA+ awareness day Wear It Purple Day on 27 August. With brilliant performances by rising stars Reece Noi and Yiana Pandelis, as well as appearances by much-loved actors Todd McKenney and Christine Anu, Unsound captures the universal and inclusive nature of love. Bookings are required for the 7pm screening.

September includes a virtual trip to Italy, with the screening of Georgia Cecere's debut film, Primo Incarico (The First Assignment). A contender for the Controcampo Italiano Prize at the 2010 Venice Film Festival, the drama brings a story of hope, friendship, and fulfilment in the most unexpected of places.

All ages are catered to, as CPAC adapts popular performances to be screened in aged care facilities. The 2020 performance of The Starliners is one of the exciting shows being prepared, with ‘sing-along’ booklets so residents can lighten up any day with classic songs including “My Girl”, “Be My Baby”, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin” and “It’s In His Kiss”.

Mayor Waller said this program of digital events balances Liverpool’s reputation as a cultural destination with diversity.

Budding artists can also head over to the CPAC website for the Essential Art Pack that includes everything they’ll need to have hours of fun creating. The pack includes CPAC’s "Let's Get Creative" booklet, with more than 30 activity ideas. Parents, guardians and carers can use the Creative Kids Voucher provided by the NSW Government if the child is eligible. For more information visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

Liverpool City Library is also boosting preparation efforts for HSC students with an intensive workshop aimed at helping them focus their schedules and get the most out of the time leading up to the examination period. Additionally, Liverpool City Library, in partnership with the Lebanese Muslim Association, is helping young jobseekers become job-ready by learning techniques to enhance employment opportunities.

“Our Library is a haven for families right now with a free, diverse online program ready to be enjoyed – from author talks and family trivia nights to workshops on topics ranging from writing sci-fi to creating your own podcast. The Library will also continue its Storytime Online series during this time,” Mayor Waller said.

While libraries are currently closed, members can access free resources from the comfort and safety of their own home, including eBooks and eAudio and eNews and eMagazines - the online collections cater to all age groups, both in English and community languages.

“Our Library continues to use its popular Conversation Café Online to boost social engagement for members of the community who want to improve their English skills. More than ever these services are important to ensure the wellbeing of our residents, particularly those from culturally diverse communities,” Mayor Waller said.

For more information, visit the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Liverpool City Library What’s On pages.