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Static is an art organisation based in Liverpool, UK. Its aim is to increase the production of cultural activity and to build the critical infrastructures that support this nationally and internationally.

The development and distribution of ideas, communication with an audience and the growth of a critical sphere are processes that interest most people involved in visual culture. Static hopes to contribute to these areas through a range of deliberately varied, and even conflicting, activities.

Of late Static has become aware of all the oppositions art organisations negotiate-whether privately funded or state supported, peer-focused or seeking new audiences, artist-led or institutional, even down to the simple opposition of a viewer inside the gallery looking out, or outside looking in. One way to explore this is the Static Pamphlet, an online and hard-copy newsheet providing an arena for criticism and comment about visual culture. The Pamphlet occupies two time-scales- a fast-fire letters page where debates can snowball over a week, and a commissioned essay by writers from different fields, looking at one theme per economic year. For 2003 the theme is 'Us and Them'.

Another arena for activity is The Static Complex , a physical space within Static specifically designed to encourage conversation, reading and the production of new work. The Complex offers different levels of privacy and exposure for four or more resident artists, architects, designers, writers etc.

The Static Complex exists alongside a gallery, in a building occupied by Static since 1998. The gallery programme does not function through a monthly show format, but instead presents a series of events which occupy a length of time, space and format appropriate to their purpose and anticipated audience. In addition to programmes led by Static, projects by independent curators and artists are welcomed.

The Static building also houses Static Modelmakers, a vibrant architect's modelmaker's company with a track record of collaborations with artists as well as commissions to architects. In addition Static Architecture is a new company developing some unusual propositions.

Static has a range of current projects, some taking place in the gallery, some outside, some in Liverpool and some farther afield. Many Static projects involve close partnerships with other organisations, relationships that Static both delights in and views with suspicion.

Static is in a unique position to contribute to the development of the critical circuit, having a firmer infrastructure than a traditional artist-led gallery, but without any internal democracy to delay or restrain.