The Black-E

The original community arts project, The Black-​E has been a part of cultural life for the surrounding city centre and Toxteth community since 1968 but the building has been an imposing structure that will be familiar to all scousers since the 1800s.
I remember being told by a colleague how she remembers the venue being as much a social club for late night parties back in the late 70s and early 80s when everything from Reggae and Soca, Norther Soul and early Hip Hop could be heard, the Black-​E has always been about being an active and relevant performance and arts space for its community and being amongst a rich mix of cultures this work is often divers and energetic.

The Black-​e gets its name from its location at what was know as The Black Church before it was cleaned in the 80’s. The church was the former Great George Street Congregational Chapel built in 1841. It’s a grand old building and as one of the finest in the city was also nick named Liverpool’s third cathedral.
Launched in 1968 by artists and run mainly by women as an arts and community centre, it is open to all and its proximity to Caribbean and Chinese communities adds diversity. There are a load of workshops and exhibitions not to mention. although I must as its my favourite martial art, the Yang style Tai Chi classes on Tuesday evenings. I love the centre’s motto of «Education — Enthusiasm — Energy» and I am wanting to get involved myself. You can volunteer as much or as little as you want. They also offer apprenticeships, training schemes and student placements. This is a great resource to have on your doorstep and if you do nothing else, visit the museum showing 40 years of cultural history.