National call opens for artists to honour the legacy of The Vivienne
Call for sculptor to create life-size statue of The Vivienne at Liverpool's Pride Quarter
A nationwide search has been launched for the artist who will sculpt a lifesize bronze statue of James Lee Williams, widely known as The Vivienne, at the entrance to Liverpool's Pride Quarter.
Liverpool will be home to one of the country's few permanent public artworks honouring a contemporary LGBTQ+ performer.
The statue is intended as a permanent tribute to The Vivienne, who passed away in January 2025 following a private battle with addiction to Ketamine.
James found a second family in Liverpool, having moved from North Wales when he was just 16.
It was here that he discovered a community where he could fully express himself and act as a role model to others.
The Vivienne gained national fame by winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and remains the only British performer to compete on the American version of the popular show.
James also made history as the first drag artist to reach the final on Dancing on Ice, further solidifying his impact on British LGBTQ+ culture.
The artist chosen for the commission will work closely with James's family, ensuring the sculpture captures both the warmth and dynamic personality of the artist.
Plans for the statue include a seated figure seamlessly integrated into existing stone benches at the junction of Victoria Street and Stanley Street, allowing visitors to sit beside The Vivienne.
Read more: Liverpool's Pride Quarter to honour The Vivienne with life-size statue
Cassie Williams, James's mother, emphasised the importance of choosing a sculptor who can see both James and his alter ego, The Vivienne.
She said, "I wanted somewhere anyone who loved him could come and sit with him. His family with their brother, their cousin, their nephew, their uncle. His friends with James. Everyone who admired him with Viv. It was important that this was in Liverpool, where The Vivienne made her name, where James found his people, and where the community continue to keep his legacy alive."
She continued, "What I would say to any sculptor thinking of applying is this: James was The Vivienne, but he was also my boy. If you can see both of those, you are the person we are looking for."
Expressions of interest for the project must be submitted by 16th October 2026 and should include a CV, a portfolio of figurative or portrait work, a statement of no more than 500 words, an anticipated fee range, and a proposed timeline.
Sculptors on the shortlist will be invited to visit the site and develop full proposals, with each sculptor receiving a £750 development fee.
John Hyland of Proudly Said, who is leading the project, shared, "This is the moment the statue stops being an idea and starts becoming an object. We have made this an open call because the right sculptor for The Vivienne could be anywhere."
"We want someone who understands who both The Vivienne and James were. We are also asking sculptors to tell us honestly what this takes; we want to get it right rather than get it quickly."
The project aims to raise a total of £120,000 through community fundraising and additional financial supporters.
Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed cost breakdowns, whether above or below the target figure.
Full details of the tender are available here.