Programme 2024

Pranav Makhijani

Tavia Panton

I am a postgraduate student at the University of Liverpool, reading for an MRes in English. I am a multi-disciplinary artist, and educator with a focus on racial equality. My writing explores cultural experiences that I have struggled to find in literature while I was growing up. I enjoy tales of black joy in which problems are trivial and happiness is abundant. My stories are a place of freedom to imaginatively make sense of the world.

Chandana Bhemraj

As an artist, I derive inspiration and happiness from the complex world of doodling, especially from drawing Mandalas and Zentangles. I had no idea that my artistic journey would take me from simple drawings to the captivating world of doodling. I have been fascinated by the act of doodling since I was a young child. It is a form of art that often comes to me naturally and makes me very happy. On February 18, 2019, I doodled my first drawing, "The Doodled moon," during a placement training session. My peers' encouraging words and supportive comments stoked my enthusiasm for this medium and inspired me to investigate the beauty of Zentangles and Mandala drawings.

Stephen Doherty

Stephen Doherty is a versatile contemporary artist inspired by 1800s printmaking across Europe , particularly the archetypal conception of these images and the deep symbolism that resonates from them in modern day. With roots in London, Stephen Doherty showcases a unique blend of mediums and techniques, from utilising modern utensils such as an iPad and apple pen to original German printing presses. Stephen Doherty's work is usually full of emotional depth and colour, but in this project he challenges his own norms and invites contemplation through the contrasting black and white of his characters. After achieving the London Oratory art award he remains reliant on constant inspiration and is committed to finding the ‘new’ and reimagined’ everyday. As Stephen Doherty continues to innovate and inspire, he aims to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary art landscape.

Zhao Yutong

During times of confusion, we all seek solace, and this song, penned by Robin and Wang during their own moments of uncertainty, resonates deeply with that sentiment. We invite you to experience Robin’s live performance.

Min Eung Kim

I have been teaching myself Kpop dances for around 4 years now and to this day I do it to test my willpower and determination in the face of difficult challenges. There is nothing like the feeling of overcoming a difficult choreography and spending hours sweating, contemplating and researching ways to learn it. The stress and exhilaration that come with facing the unknown each time I try and learn a new routine is something that I take great pride in since I always love to prove myself wrong whenever I feel like I can't do something. Dancing has let me understand more about the kind of limitless potential that I have and the kind of work it takes to fully utilize my abilities. It helped me realize that talented people did not get to where they are by doing nothing and that I too can achieve similar heights so long as I maintained focus and was willing to put in the work. Therefore, I am putting myself forward for this nomination as a further challenge to show myself that I can face discomfort and challenges to achieve the things that I want. How I have practised and trained hard enough to proudly showcase my skills on a stage just like I had the first time I nominated myself for the School of the Arts Show. That way, once I graduate and go beyond the University of Liverpool, I can safely say that I have done everything I can to make my time as a student here worth it.

Ad Break - Tom Porter, Rory Drain, Arthur Strachan

AD BREAK - a collective of friends and musicians from the University of Liverpool. Their repertoire spans from danceable break beats to atmospheric grooves, filled with spontaneity and improvisation. Influences include; Joshua Redman, Billy Cobham, Azymuth, kamaal Williams, Their Debut EP ‘Danube’ is set to released this coming spring.

The Drop Jonnies - Edward Hunt, Max Williamson, Thomas Drew, Oliver Shooter

The Drop Jonnies are a four piece rock / singer songwriter band based in central Liverpool. Since their inception, they have taken inspiration from all ends of the contemporary music spectrum. The Drop Jonnies are known for their insightful lyrics and memorable live shows, which they have crafted and refined over a series of performances in the local music scene. The Drop Jonnies have attained a loyal fan base of music fans, and are an exciting prospect in the future of rock music.

Darcey and Soraya

Understudy

Understudy is a; Jazz, Neo-soul, and Funk band, comprised of lead female vocals, keys, guitar, bass, drums, and sax. Inspired by Jazz and R&B artists like Ezra Collective, Lianne Le Havas and Erykah Badu. Formed just under two years ago, after meeting at the University of Liverpool. The band’s innovative and funky sound created through their repertoire of popular covers and original songs includes “Change Your Tone”. The group has since established relationships with venues like Frederik’s and Arts Bar Baltic with support from the Liverpool Jazz Society and Monkelamp. Find the band @understudy_official on Instagram.

One Fell Swoop

Future Yard