In anticipation of Liverpool's turn as European Capital of Culture in 2008, we have dedicated much energy over the last year to building partnerships and networks, both in Merseyside and beyond, while planning a programme of international importance for 2008.
We worked again in 2006–7 with Bluecoat Arts Centre, FACT and Open Eye Gallery to deliver an extraordinary range of art for the Liverpool Biennial as well as planning for the 2008 Biennial. International 06 focused on new commissions by international contemporary artists including Toba Khedoori, Philippe Parreno, Brian Tolle, Julianne Swartz and Monica Bonvicini. Eighteen artists were included in The Real Thing which was the first major UK exhibition of contemporary art from China, and was particularly timely in exploring work from one of the world's most dynamic countries at a time of unprecedented interest in China.
Our exhibition programme also included Bruce Nauman: Make Me Think Me which provided visitors with an opportunity to explore in more depth the work of this influential American artist. Jake and Dinos Chapman: Bad Art for Bad People was the artists' first UK museum show and brought together a significant body of work in an important mid-career retrospective. In addition the Project Space has shown the work of John Armleder and Kenneth Noland.
Our Collection displays include a broadly chronological overview of international modern art in the DLA Piper Series: International Modern Art. Temporary displays from the Collection have focused on major artists such Patrick Caulfield, Robert Rauschenberg, Henry Moore and LS Lowry.
Working with partners both locally and nationally, our education teams do a great deal to bring these exhibitions and displays to a wide range of audiences across Merseyside and beyond. One highlight in a long programme of events was Hell Night, which was organised by our peer-led group, Young Tate. The music and fancy-dress event coincided with Jake and Dinos Chapman's exhibition. The event involved 200 young people and was developed from the successful Courts Project, a year-long partnership between Merseyside Police, Citysafe and Tate Liverpool to create safe, alternative spaces for young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to meet in the city.
In addition we have worked with Mencap to develop a steering group tasked with encouraging adults with learning difficulties to enjoy the gallery, and with the Pagoda Youth Chinese Orchestra to support them in their ambitions and to programme events at the gallery aimed at Chinese audiences.
Tate Liverpool continues to be the most visited modern art gallery in the UK, outside London. In April 2006, we welcomed our 10 millionth visitor, and by the end of the financial year we had seen over half a million visitors. Presently 39% of visitors are on their first visit to the gallery, and we have recorded a high satisfaction rating. 2008 will be a great opportunity for Merseyside and Tate Liverpool to attract a new and increased audience, and with this in mind we are an active member of the Liverpool Arts and Regeneration Consortium which has secured a major Arts Council England grant towards audience development.
We are delighted that two members of staff won Liverpool Academy Ambassador Awards which recognise exceptional customer service across the region. At Tate Liverpool we have long understood the importance of all employees in delivering our vision, and in the run-up to 2008 this is as important as ever. We have had Investor in People status for more than nine years and we will continue to have this status for the next three years. This suggests that our objectives and challenges are shared by the whole team and we hope that our involvement in European Capital of Culture 2008 provides personal opportunities for everyone to develop.
