The Nerve Centre presents We Didn't Vote to Die at Work.

We Didn’t Vote to Die at Work

Sat 4^th September, 12-2

Speakers

Hilda Palmer, Manchester Hazards Campaign

Dawn Adams and Linzi Herbertson

Families Against Corporate Killers

Chair: Steve Tombs

Plus:

Screening of FACE THE FACKS, a film about the real burdens of corporate killing.

Discussion: 1911 Liverpool Transport Strikes Centenary.

Tuesday 7th September, 6pm - 7pm

 

The Nerve Centre (The Old Rapid Hardware Paint Shop, Renshaw St)

 

A discussion on the 1911 Liverpool Transport Strikes - 2010 marks the centenary. What are the stories behind the events?

 

The 1911 strike was arguably the finest hour of Liverpool's labour history. It brought  massive rallies, control of the local economy, a gunboat on the Mersey and unprecedented solidarity among workers.

Society was in ferment in other ways too. Votes for women, Home Rule for Ireland and abolishing the House of Lords were just some of the other issues on the political agenda. In Liverpool, artists like Albert Lipczinski, Charles Reilly, and Augustus John moved alongside Francisco Ferrer (founder of Free Schools) and inspirational workers leader Tom Mann in places such as the International Club, The Clarion Cafe, and the Sandon Club. 2011 will be the centenary of this milestone of struggle. This event will bring you a taster of what is to come.

 

The Nerve Centre.

The Nerve Centre Interview: Liam Brayd.

The Nerve Centre has been and most definitely will be host to many talented and outstanding artists doing their creative work, and on the the very first night, when much open night wine was consumed, familiar faces met and a catalystic event launched to the masses, Liam Brayd was one of the many artists who performed his work for the many people present. Be warned, this interview is very *to the point* in the best possible way. Show your love for Liam Brayd, and read his responses to my impassioned queries below:

The Nerve Centre: What does The Nerve Centre mean to you?

 

Liam Brayd: A demonstration of freedom of creative expression in an accessible, public place.

TNC: Any highlights of the exhibition so far?

LB: The live entertainment on the opening night.

 

TNC: What are your influences when crafting poetry?

LB: I write about my life’s experiences living in the city.

 

TNC: I was in the audience for your performance on the opening night and every eye in the room was on you. What reaction do you seek when performing?

 

LB:  Exactly as you observed. I seek all eyes and ears.

TNC: You're performing again on Sunday 5th September with some friends. What can we expect from the set and who will be your friends?

 

LB: Poetry about life in the city, Liverpool and all cities around the world. The similarities are in the detail of the individuals lives. That is my inspiration. My friends will be both real and ethereal, some present in body, others in spirit.

TNC: Any last words for The Nerve Centre until we see you there?

 

LB: The Nerve Centre must be strong, truthful and triumphant.

 

Liam would like you all to know that he is teaming up with fellow poet/singer songwriter Tom George, (who also appeared at The Nerve Centre), on Wednesday 15^th September at 8pm, at The Dead Good Poets Society, in The 3^RD Room, Everyman Bistro, Hope St. Liverpool. This will be an amazing event, where the best of Liverpool’s poets will be present. A night not to be missed!!  You heard the man, get on down there for a night to remember!

Thank you Liam for your brilliantly concise answers, and see you soon at The Nerve Centre!

The Nerve Centre.

Photo of Liam and Questions posed by Sebastian Gahan.

Wednesday 1st September at The Nerve Centre.

Did you have a good time at The Nerve Centre today? Did you see the CRASS movie? Did you join in the discussion with Philosophy In Pubs? Whatever you did today, I hope it was fulfilling and above all worth it. But if it's inspiration you're looking for, and stimulating visual art and discussion, a visit to The Nerve Centre may well be the balm for your intellectual scars. Take a look at what the 'morrow - that is Wednesday 1st September - brings at The Nerve Centre:

We open at 12pm and will be showing some movies for your delight, shock, horror, enjoyment and whatever other adjective is on your lips as you view and the trailers for them are below: 

(There is short clip from Circus For Life here.)

Needless to say, some stimulating stuff here!

Following a quick break for tea, coffee or whatever it is you gain sustenance from, there will an important discussion on Higher Education, it's relationship with "reclaiming the city" and much more.  Hosted by Ross Dawson, it will undoubtedly be an interesting and well attended discussion. Head to The Nerve Centre, if you're not already there, for 3pm to have your say on this highly relevant issue!

See you soon,

The Nerve Centre.

Tuesday 31st August at The Nerve Centre.

It's a sunny day - for now, at least! - and The Nerve Centre is back with another day filled with possibility, discussion and ideas. Head down for twelve o'clock and you can see the exhibition before the following events occur:

From 12 to 2pm we have another film show, with the trailers for the films below:

If these look good, head down for 12pm and join us as we learn more of the world through the many fascinating movies showing at The Nerve Centre.

Coming at 3pm is another discussion from our favorite Philosophy group, Philosophy In Pubs. Todays topic is Nature versus Nature. Mike Ellis faciliates as the group discusses how we can turn peoples lives around. Come on down and join in! 

The Nerve Centre.

Nerve Centre Interviews: Shinobu Gahan.

On the 21st of August, Shinobu Gahan did an origami demonstration in The Nerve Centre that went down well with all, with reports of many children making their parents little - and large! - paper shirts for days afterwards based on her origami shirts. I did a quick interrogation with Shinobu about the day and her work. Check out the photographs of her work as well!

The Nerve Centre:What did you do at The Nerve Centre today?

Shinobu: I came to do my origami workshop!

TNC:How did the workshop go?

S: It went well! I didn't expect it, but a lot of people, kids and adults, came and enjoyed learning origami.

TNC: Any highlights of the exhibition or show?

S: (Thinks) Obviously my workshop! Snappertronics were good. The discussions were interesting as well!

TNC: In your opinion, what does The Nerve Centre indicate about Liverpool's creative scene?

S: I think there are a lot of beautiful pieces at the exhibition and they make you feel beautiful and inspired yourself! Liverpool is a nice place with lots of events to get involved in.

TNC: Is there any particular inspiration behind your work?

S: When I was young I did origami at school in Japan. Origami is a well known part of Japanese culture and it's something I can do, so I decided to let people know about Japanese culture via origami. That's it really!

TNC: If you could change anything about Liverpool, what would you change?

S: There should be more community where everybody can get involved in making Liverpool a better place. Art, cultural exchange and more beyond that.

TNC: What do you think the message of The Nerve Centre is?

S: Everybody is welcome to join in and anyone can do art is they try! 

TNC: What's your favorite piece of origami to fold and why?

S: Butterflies are nice! I like folding butterflies. Nobody hates butterflies so everyone like them. It's not that easy to fold, but it makes a good display piece to put somewhere and look at! 

Thanks to Shinobu for some wonderful art , and the chance to see origami in action! 

The Nerve Centre.

Photography by Shinobu Gahan.

Our Friend The Centurion: Dave Webster's The Shape of Democracy in Pictures.

Democracy and Nature.

The feet of reason never move.

Nature and Democracy in colour.

From the rear.

On guard at The Nerve Centre.

On the cover of issue 16 of Nerve.

Standing Tall at The Lauch Party.

Ever vigilant for Democracy.

Determination and vital message.

The Nerve Centre.

'The Shape of Democracy?' by Dave Webster, as displayed at The Nerve Centre.
Photography by Sebastian Gahan.

University in an Age of Austerity: A Discussion on Wednesday 1st September .

The Nerve Centre presents a discussion taking place in The Nerve Centre at 3pm on September 1st concerning "The University in an age of Austerity: Public Service or Middle Class Luxury?"

Focus on Higher Education and its relationship to “reclaiming the city” including the prospect of massive cuts. Talk by Ross Dawson who will introduce some of the issues facing the university on the cusp of massive cuts to the sector. These include, the question of access and social mobility for students, the changing nature of the university as a workplace, the new managerial class, the university’s relationship to the city and the significance of a “knowledge economy”.

Come and have your say!

The Nerve Centre.

Open Mic Session on Friday 3rd September 8 - 10.30pm.

'Open Mic Session' hosted by Vinny Spencer and Gabi Monks of Rich Man's Ruin.

Friday 3rd September, 8-10.30pm at The Nerve Centre.

This is a free but ticketed event. Get your ticket at News From Nowhere.

The Nerve Centre.

Today at The Nerve Centre: C.A.N. Liverpool and Critical Mass.

On the day that Liverpool descends into a now traditional mad melange of tribute acts,  music and drunken hoards roaming the streets, The Nerve Centre presented a day of discussion, films, workshops and activities presented by Climate Action Network Liverpool and Critical Mass. Our doors were graced by many visitors, ideas were discussed with much vigour and some bicycles were repaired as well! Some pictures from the day are below:

Placards of declaration.

A day of eco action.

For the lucky, there were free flowers to plant!

Serious discussion at The Nerve Centre.

The circle of discussion in black and white.

The discussion circle in color.

Gesticulated Debate.

The Nerve Centre is for everyone!

Critical Repairs on a bicycle.

Yes, I tried an experiment with monochrome today, but I think it worked out well. Don't forget tomorrow is a day off for us Nerve people, but come back on Tuesday for more art, discussion, inspiration and who knows what else!

The Nerve Centre.

Photography by Sebastian Gahan.

Sunday 29th August at The Nerve Centre.

As you may have guessed from my rather imagination overload title, I'm about to tell you just why you should pay a visit to The Nerve Centre on Sunday 29th August! Despite the business all over the city, the Matthew Street festival, the Fringe and everything else in between there is an alternative, even if you only come in and have a look at the grassroots artists exhibition!

Yes, we bring you a day of workshops, discussions, demonstrations, films and fun from Climate Action Network and Critical Mass. The main events are followed by a Sunset Bike Ride which should prove a fitting end to a day of learning and fun. Free entry and all welcome.

All Day - Transition Town Allotment, Fix you own bike, generate electricity on a bicycle

11-1pm - Living off grid discussion, followed by introduction to 12/24v DC

electricity and electrical generation

1-2pm - Urban Agriculture and Community Orchards

2-3pm - Lets Talk about wild flowers

3-4pm - Transition Towns

4-5pm - Action report - Liverpool Climate Action Network talk about recent campaign actions, followed by an open floor for people/groups to talk about a local campaign

5-6.30pm - Trade Unions and Climate Change

7-7:30pm - What happened and where next.

Don't forget about the Sunset Bike Ride that follows where you could easily imagine yourself in some fantasy end credits sequence cycling off into the distance and the unknown future if you wanted to!

Remember that Monday is a day of rest for all our busy Nerve crew, so we'll be closed. Come back on Tuesday from 12pm for more radical fun and artistic inspiration. Check the events calendar for full details of the day!

The Nerve Centre

Saturday 28th August at The Nerve Centre.

Today is another packed day at The Nerve Centre with the following events scheduled to happen!

At 12pm we have Paul Stackpoole with a well timed discussion considering this busy Matthew Street Festival Weekend entitled From The Beatles to the World. It's sure to be worth a listen so get down early and avoid the crowds!

From 2pm Huyton songwriter Jay Lewis performs for our various pleasures his string laden work and as it's a sneak preview of his new genre called voodoo-folk, it's sure to be a treat from the man who has been many things including Caracatilla's frontman, guitarist for The La's 2005 incarnation and bass player with The John Power Band. Phew! Come on down and enjoy that voodoo folk!

15:00 brings John Daly's movie moments, and having spoke to him about the event I can say it will most definitely be interesting, with audience members bringing along their favorite scenes from movies and revealing how the scene makes them feel. Got a scene? Bring it along!

From 4.30, Helen Maher returns to The Nerve Centre to provide some accordion sounds for the masses. If you saw her set at the Launch Party, as I did, you'll know it'll be something not to miss! 

Rounding off the day we have Ron Entwistle with his eclectic mix of poetry and the spoken word.

All in all a packed day, so come and spend your Saturday at The Nerve Centre! It's sure to be an experience to make your weekend all the most catalystic!

The Nerve Centre.

Nerve Centre Interview: Helen Maher.

Performing on the opening night of The Nerve Centre, and appearing again on Saturday 28th at 4.30pm, Helen Maher is an accordionist with some lovely music made by, you guessed it, an accordion. But there is more than an accordion to her sound, and depending on her muse as a solo artist, vocalist, member of Trez Fez, member of new duo The Bluebells and much more besides there is a talent that is ready to add a touch of the French cafe to your life via her French inspired accordion work. Coincidently, she has played in French restaurants before and added considerably to the authentic ambience of such places. The Nerve Centre welcomed Helen Maher on our opening night and later asked a few probing questions of her for this very blog.

The Nerve Centre: How did it feel performing at The Nerve Centre?

Helen Maher: It felt enjoyable. There were friendly people there who were dancing and singing along. The organisers, volunteers and artists had obviously put lots of effort into transforming the space and it was a pleasure to be there. I also thought there was a lot of support for me because as I was playing there was someone spontaneously handing out my flyers!   

TNC: Tell us a little bit about your music and how you think it connects with The Nerve Centre?

HM: My music can at times vary depending on the gig I've been asked to play at (and what mood I'm in!). For this event I could play it by ear and judge what the night wanted. I started the set thinking that I would play mainly background music to complement the ambience of people socialising and reflecting on the art but when an audience started gathering I realised I could through a song or two in and then I 'performed' a little more! I enjoy gigs like The Nerve Centre as it feels a bit like home - the grassroots scene is where I started and don't think I'd ever want to lose that connection. As for the music connecting with the Nerve Centre? Well, gigs like this encourage a natural creativity whatever style or subject you're singing about and if the artist and audience are tuned into this then a connection happens and we'll be rocking! (As much as an accordionist can?!)

 

TNC: Does Liverpool affect your work and if so, how? 

HM: Oh! That's a tough one ain't it?! I think after I graduated I spent some time thinking where should I live and what I should do as I'm sure many of us did. Liverpool is a place that, no matter how many times I leave it's like I'm on an elastic band and bounce back. That's what happened after college - I just sort of bounced back.

I've been lucky that my music career 'proper' was rising at the time of the Capital of Culture so I had some great gig opportunities then and that has definitely given me a helping hand. Now my gigs have expanded out a bit into the North West region but I still play in Liverpool and live here. I find it a great base to operate from and like having my family and friends around me. 

 

TNC: Is there anything you'd improve on in Liverpool and why?

HM: Hum, another tough one! I believe in the power of the individual and how people treat each other at a 'grassroots' level. This can work in the same way if I'm talking to a homeless person or dealing with a big corporate client. I see in Liverpool a whole spectrum of diversity, of caring people and of greed. You could apply this to any place and they would exist in different degrees. So I don't think the answer is in improving the refuse collection or any other external factor. I just think wherever we are we can all be a little kinder and more considerate (myself included).

 

TNC: Had you read Nerve before coming to The Nerve Centre and what are your favorite aspects of the magazine?

HM: I have read Nerve but must be honest and say that I haven't been a vigilant reader. I enjoy the angle it takes. This magazine seems to have stood the test of time and stayed true to its goal. I'd say I enjoy the alternative local news and events. 

  
TNC: They say Liverpool is a creative city, and without doubt it is. What do you think makes Liverpool such a creative place?

HM: Interesting! I think originally it has come from Liverpool's geography. Being a port town means lots of different cultures coming together. Also a good number of the people who have settled here over the centuries have been open to other cultures and embraced it and used what they think was good. My idea of good is different to yours and so we are creating so many wonderful things! 

 

 

TNC: Any personal highlights from the opening party?

HM: It was wonderful to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. A nice surprise seeing Kaety Moore’s art work on display. And a ‘lowlight’ was knocking a picture off the wall whilst hoisting my accordion on - sorry about that!

 

 

TNC: Do you have any exciting projects coming up?

HM: Always! I have a few gigs booked, one of them being a new restaurant called The Egerton Arms (see:  www.woodwardandfalconer.com); a French night on the 14th September. I have played for their restaurant chain before and the nights are fabulous. I have many private and public events coming up in the next few months and when I update my website (www.helenmaher.com) and myspace (www.myspace.com/helenmahermusic) you should see the full array of dates. If you want to know sooner, contact me directly! In the pipeline is to get some more recordings and video’s up and running so watch this space…

 

TNC: Finally, any last words for The Nerve Centre?

HM: Just a big thank you to Nerve, all the hard work that goes into the organisation and for being so supportive to us creatives!

Thank you to Helen for her lovely answers and don't forget to come and see her in action Saturday 28th August at 4.30pm in The Nerve Centre!


Interview and live shot by Sebastian Gahan. 
Profile shot by John.

 

Nerve Centre Interviews: Paul Tarpey. (Kick Boxing For Snakes)

Before we commence this lil' interview with Kick Boxing For Snakes' Paul Tarpey, The Nerve Centre wishes to apologize for the unfortunate typo on many of the programs where we credited him with the equally fascinating, but incorrect, name of 'Kung Fu Fighting With Snakes'! Sorry to all those people out there lost in confusion! Without further ado, let's ask Paul some pertinent questions

 

The Nerve Centre: How did your performance go at The Nerve Centre? Any highlights?

Paul: It was very relaxing. I think most people who make me nervous when they watch and have heard most of it before thought it was on later, or thats what they said, so it was a cosy feeling and someone laughed in a way I approved of. The highlight was when Steve told me he forgot he was performing and was just listening along. 

TNC: What was your favorite piece of art?

P: I love John O'Neil's stuff and my favourite is his depiction of fascism which is very challenging and funny. I also really liked his Bush smoking gun picture. His work is very powerful but always remains modest in a way that I think helps it communicate more effectively. The Neptune guy's pubic hair was also challenging and funny but it lost its appeal on second viewing.

 

TNC: It's inevitable I'd mention the band name! I'm guessing you don't kick box with snakes regularly so how did you settle with Kick Boxing For Snakes?

P: It's an advertisement from a classified ad that I made up for a magazine in the mid nineties and a friend would mention every time he saw me. I go through a place called Didsbury in Cheshire on the way to work and I think they would organise such classes if I tutted loudly enough about the lack of provision for snakes within the local community. It is political correctness gone mad or it is madness gone politically correct. Who knows or cares.

 

TNC: What do you think the most important message of The Nerve Centre is?

P: I don't really believe in messages in that sense. Not since god told me to kill Kennedy and I put in a lot of planning only to find it had been done already. I think that the crucial element to any such project are the people who will have never seen much like this happen before and take that forward to their own lives and do something amazing too. Maybe we will never know it is linked but the Left needs that level of humility to survive I think. There are a lot of new faces and that is always good.

TNC: Why do you think there is so much activity and creativity in Liverpool particularly?

P: It is the right size for it. I don't know. I have a friend called Steve Higginson who has amazing theories about port cities and the sense of outsiderness. I know that it was feeling like an outsider that made me want to do something unacceptable in public. You don't need to know what that was but just be thankful I have stopped. I think it definitely welcomes anyone who accepts its terms and conditions. It is a self indulgent city and defensive, but anger and romance sweats through its pores. Yuck, sorry.

TNC: Any last words or pieces of advice for The Nerve Centre or it's readers?

 

P: Just remember if you don't do it someone without your passion will do it instead and you will hate them and yourself. History can now be written by the disenfranchised and the paranoid for the first time since we scrawled in caves. Learn the skills on offer and listen to all the people down there in the centre who have done it before but bear in mind that they could be lying or mad. Oh and if you are involved in organising anything always think about how you would feel walking in somewhere on your own confronted by people you didn't know and a giant sea god in front of you. That is as crucial as anything else. People seem to be wandering in without too much worry which is not as common as it should be.

 

Thanks Paul and sorry again for getting the band name wrong! We must have been watching Jackie Chan at the time in the office...

Paul is a part of defnetmedia, who can be found here.

Working Class Organization: What is the Way Forward?

 From here:

Since 14th August, and until 11th September, the old Rapid Hardware Paint shop on Renshaw Street is playing host to “The Nerve Centre.”

Nerve magazine in collaboration with Philosophy in Pubs, the Windows Project, Next To Nowhere Social Centre, How, Why, DIY and many other organizations and individuals, are organizing 4 weeks of city based art and culture, in the heart of the city.

The aim of the event is to bring the people of Liverpool together to share ideas on art, culture and ways of improving our city and surroundings.

As part of this, on Sunday 5th September, the Liverpool Solidarity Federation will be hosting a discussion and debate titled “working class organization: what is the way forward?”

With the new Con-Dem government’s austerity measures starting to bite, it’s more important than ever that workers organize and fight back against the attacks on their jobs and services. But how do we do that?

The trade unions seem to be moving at a halt, and recent compromises and sell outs have disillusioned members with the bureaucratic leadership. But how do we overcome this?

How do we build a workers’ movement that is democratic, grassroots, and free from the impediments of a crippling bureaucracy?

To take part, and add your voice to the debate, come to the Nerve Centre on Sunday 5th September. The discussion will run from 3pm to 5pm. All welcome. 

The Nerve Centre.

The Nerve Centre Profiles: Val Walsh.

Val Walsh has been performing her poems in the North West for 7 years. As well as being a regular at Liverpool’s Dead Good Poets Society (DGPS), she has performed at Liverpool’s Poetry Café (both at Costa Café and the Bluecoat); at various local community and political events, such as the Peace & Ecology Festival and May Day Festival; as well as at the Bluecoat during the 2010 Arabic Arts Festival. As a result, two of her poems are to be translated into Arabic and published simultaneously in English in an online Arabic newsletter. For 3 years she has also contributed to Liverpool’s annual Poetry Marathon, as part of National Poetry Day.

Together with poet Anne Candlin, and on behalf of exiled Palestinian poet, Nahida Yasin, long-term resident in Liverpool, Val has performed Nahida’s poems at various venues and events in the North West, for example organised by Friends of Palestine, CND and the Arabic Arts Festival.

She has organised women’s poetry events for International Women’s Day and Merseyside Women’s Movement (MWM) for 4 years. Two years ago she was responsible for bringing together a group of local women poets to create a performance for the multidisciplinary and multimedia arts festival, PAX, held at The Black-E, with lighting projections by artist, Hambi Haralambous, and harp accompaniment by Stan Ambrose. Out of this emerged the idea of EMBRACE, a loose association of diverse women poets in Liverpool, who perform integrated sequences of their poems as a creative act of collaboration and community. 

Her poems have been published in a number of magazines over the last 6 years, including LAPIDUS: Creative Words for Health and Wellbeing, and Liverpool’s NERVE, as well as online (e.g. 2 poems as part of the ‘wall’ of 800 poems to mark Liverpool’s 800^th Anniversary as a city in 2008).

Rooted in women’s lives and experience, they are pre-occupied with the personal / political dilemmas of living and being: problems of survival, well-being and intimacy; the ethical and political issues attendant on the struggle to ‘be human’: to avoid abuse, exploitation and complicity; to mark and challenge injustice; as well as celebrate our loving and the power of the natural world.  Poetry digs deep and involves exposure, of self and other. Sometimes this also produces humour.

Friday 27th August at The Nerve Centre.

Almost half-way into The Nerve Centre's run, time has certainly flown by amid a whirl of activities, workshops, live music, art and much more. Today was a prime example with another session of the Windows Writing Desk, where the aspiring writer, feedback seeking author or person with writing to discuss can come and get feedback from Windows. And,of course, Val Walsh and Arthur Adlen appeared with their part performance, part workshop, part discussion piece 'Poetry, Politics and Difference'. Not as event packed as the upcoming weekend, but still full of observations and thoughts to dwell upon!

This Friday at The Nerve Centre we have another film show from 12pm, featuring Critical Mass films such as...

We Aren't blocking Traffic, We ARE Traffic

Still We Ride

Live Bicycle 

Come along at 12pm and watch them all! There may be more so stick around after Live Bicycle and enjoy the movies and the exhibition!  Plus, why not contribute something to the free to add to ongoing retrospective of The Nerve Centre, 'Nerve Ends', which is just opposite the kids space?! Anything goes, a word, a poem, a motif, a sticker, a 3-D sculpture...just fill the canvas so we start another one!

The Nerve Centre.

Some Random Photo's from The Nerve Centre.

Art in our windows for the world to see.

Various publications on our table.

A captive audience for our movie show.

The not inconsiderable work of Carl Fletcher.

Saying it in black and white.

The guardians of the bathroom.

Get past the posse to the bathroom?

An origami butterfly by Shinobu Gahan.

Drawbots face off with the gallery.

Art and Rathole Radio collide.

Our ever useful microphone and friend to our artists.

Visitors make The Nerve Centre shine!