Liverpool Transport Strike centenary

20 January 2009

LJMU welcomed over 300 people through the doors of the new Art and Design Academy as host of the BBC Create and Connect Conference 2009.

Professor Roger Webster, Dean of the Faculty of Media, Arts and Social Science, gave the opening address at the major conference, remarking: "We are very, very proud to be hosting the BBC Connect and Create Conference 2009 here at the new Art and Design Academy. It's an excellent inaugural event."

Also in attendance was Caroline Thomson, the BBC's Chief Operating Officer, who commented on the city's success as European Capital of Culture 2008: "It's great to be here at the end of a successful year for Liverpool. The city has gone through an extraordinary transformation."

Alongside hosting the conference, LJMU won the BBC Create and Connect Production Award for "Liverpool 7," a film about a woman who had an illegitimate child in the 1960s.

Documentary Production Lecturer, Alex Irving, collected the award on behalf of BA Hons Screen Studies graduates Cat Tully, Lauren Thompson, Sarah Wharton, Tori Ward and Lisa Mallon, who produced the film as part of their final year Documentary module.

Ian Bent, editor of Radio Music Factual, Manchester Output, presented the award, commenting: "The film won because it made us call our colleagues into the office and say; 'Have a look at this', which shows it was exceptional.'"

LJMU student Margy McShane was also shortlisted for the Writersroom Award for her two pieces entitled "Ladies' Day" and "Three Kisses." "Trapped", an internet cartoon soap produced by Knowsley children with the help of LJMU Animation students, received a special commendation in the Innovation category.

The awards themselves were the work of LJMU Creative Designer, Caroline White, who was commissioned by the BBC to design the trophies.

Explaining the inspiration behind the design, Caroline said: "The solid glass is adorned with a pattern of rising and falling squares forming a continuous loop around its faces, echoing patterns of communication and the cityscapes of the North of England. The BBC logo on its front face links the pattern, echoing the vital connection that the BBC provides."

BBC Training and Development Director, Caroline Prendergast, commented: "A special thank you to Caroline White who came up with a really good design for the awards. We are delighted with them, they're the best we've ever seen."

Picture 1: Dean of the Faculty of Media, Arts and Social Science, Professor Roger Webster, with Chief Operating Officer of the BBC, Caroline Thomson, and BBC Training and Development Director, Caroline Prendergast.

Picture 2: The BBC Create and Connect Awards, designed by LJMU Creative Designer Caroline White.

Picture 3: Lecturer Alex Irving with the BBC Create and Connect Production Award.