Following the huge success of our Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere cultural events programme in the summer, an innovative approach to creating a net zero carbon future with bamboo at the heart of it has been discussed at a summit hosted by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Business, Councillor Mike Wharton opened the event where creative convenors Imagineer Productions with Artistic Director Orit Azaz, joined Combined Authority representatives, award winning structural engineers Atelier One, project partners Bruntwood and Sciontec and international bamboo specialists. Together, they considered what a Liverpool City Region Bamboo Development Strategy might look like.

Pledges were made for new academic research into the capacity for bamboo to help with carbon capture and soil remediation; new standards for use in construction industry; bamboo planting and growing and the use of bamboo as a focus for arts in the areas of health and industrial design.

During August, ten giant bamboo structures – some up to 12 feet tall – toured the city region allowing people to be bamboozled by the structures, enjoy performances, and experience making their own bamboo creations.

Culture Lead for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Sarah Lovell said:

“We have used culture as a way if engaging the public and now we need to look at how we can use it as part of a wider environmental agenda. We are hoping we can formulate a strategy which will inform our net zero and climate strategy in the Liverpool City Region.”

Bamboo is one of the strongest, most flexible and sustainable materials in the world. It has uses in design and construction and can support decarbonisation, sustainable farming and the detoxification of brownfield sites.

Imagine Bamboo is Everywhere was funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of this year’s Liverpool City Region Cultural Events programme, which is part of Mayor Steve Rotheram’s 1% for Culture earmarking 1% of the CA’s core funding to activities designed to promote culture and creativity.

It was delivered in partnership with Imagineer Productions and independent Artistic Director Orit Azaz, with producer and production support from Culture Liverpool.