FACT (The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) Liverpool

FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) was seven years in the making. It cost £10m to develop, build and equip, and it's the first purpose-built arts project in Liverpool for over 60 years. Designed by award-winning architects Austin-Smith: Lord, no other UK-based arts centre offers the same quality and range in its programme, resources and activities. The FACT Centre provides a vibrant focal point in the £110 million redevelopment of the Ropewalks district of Liverpool and is a flagship project in the city's successful Capital of Culture bid. Two stunning galleries provide a space for temporary exhibitions of film, video and new media by internationally significant artists. Picturehouse at FACT comprises three state-of-the-art cinemas, screening arthouse and independent film. Working alongside the architects, FACT have commissioned a number of artworks that either form part of the building, for example the zinc-panelled exterior and its interactive lighting system, or are a response to it, such as the Singh Twins' beautiful lightbox portraits adjacent to the Wood Street entrance. The Galleries Dedicated to the moving image and new media technologies, FACT's two galleries feature newly commissioned work or projects new to the UK by established and emerging international artists working in film, video and new media. The Media Lounge is a curated space for computer-based art and artist's video. You can discover online artworks, explore the video library and download free movies, software and music. The Cinemas Picturehouse at FACT in association with City Screen, comprises three state-of-the-art cinemas hosting the very best cinema from around the world, special film seasons, occasional festivals and one-off events. City Screen is Britain's largest independent exhibitor, operating the Picturehouse network of 14 cinemas across the UK. Check www.picturehouses.co.uk for further details of programme. Cafe & Bar Rear Window Cafe is situated on the ground floor of FACT. Serving a range of delicious light bites, speciality coffee and tea, soft drinks and wine throughout the day, the bright and airy Café surroundings provide a source of nourishment for both mind and body. For shopaholics, there 's also an opportunity to browse the shelves for a special gift, artist's book or catalogue. THE BAR Situated on the first floor, the Bar serves a wide range of draught and bottled beers, wines and spirits, including novelty Vodkas and Absinthe. Along with fortnightly film quizzes, the Bar hosts monthly poetry evenings, and offers a selection of board games for your entertainment. Coupled with a friendly and chilled atmosphere, the Bar is the ideal place to relax. Please note that the centre is fully licensed throughout, and you can enjoy your drinks in the cinemas. Exhibition Now Showing at FACT is Howlin' Wolf a collection of the film work by acclaimed Canadian artist Mark Lewis. The exhibition includes the world premiere of new commissions Rear Projection (Molly Parker) and Rear Projection (Golden Rod), as well as a rich selection of work never seen before in the UK. Alongside this FACT presents Human Computer Interaction (HCI) www.hci-fun.org.uk featuring international artists Josh Nimoy, Caen Botto and Simon Poulter, focusing on artworks inspired by current research issues of Human Computer Interaction. Both shows continue until 28 May.
Coming up for June - August FACT presents Under the Radar by Australian artist collective Experimenta Media Arts. The gallery spaces will be transformed into a arcade of interactive fun in a display of works which bring together creativity and technology. The show runs from 16 June and 28 August 2006.