Introduction

The Liverpool Biennial is the UK's largest festival of contemporary visual art, transforming the city into a dynamic showcase of international artistic practices. Founded in 1998, it has become a vital platform for commissioning and presenting contemporary art within the distinctive context of Liverpool's architectural, social, and cultural landscape.

Every two years, the Biennial activates public spaces, historic buildings, unused structures, and established art venues across the city. It is distinguished by its commitment to public engagement, community participation, and the integration of art into the fabric of urban life, making contemporary art accessible to diverse audiences beyond traditional gallery environments.

Narrative & Themes

The Liverpool Biennial consistently explores the intersection of art, public space, and social engagement. Each edition develops a unique curatorial framework that responds to both global contemporary concerns and Liverpool's specific historical, industrial, and cultural context. The biennial often addresses themes of urban regeneration, collective memory, and the transformative potential of art in public life.

Unlike more commercially oriented art events, the Liverpool Biennial places strong emphasis on commissioning new work specifically for the city. Many projects engage directly with local communities, histories, and environments, creating meaningful connections between international artists and the people of Liverpool.

The biennial's distributed exhibition model creates distinctive cultural trails throughout the city, encouraging exploration of diverse neighborhoods and spaces. This approach reflects Liverpool's character as a historic port city shaped by international exchange, migration, and cultural diversity.

History & Context

The Liverpool Biennial was founded in 1998, during a period when the city was undergoing significant regeneration following decades of industrial decline. The biennial emerged as part of broader cultural initiatives aimed at revitalizing Liverpool's economy and international profile, contributing to the city's later designation as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Throughout its history, the biennial has maintained a strong relationship with Liverpool's distinctive urban character—its maritime heritage, industrial architecture, and complex social history. This connection to place has been fundamental to the biennial's identity and development over the past two decades.

Exhibition Venues

The Liverpool Biennial utilizes a diverse range of venues throughout the city, combining established cultural institutions with unexpected and alternative spaces. Key venues include Tate Liverpool, the Bluecoat, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology), Open Eye Gallery, and Victoria Gallery & Museum, alongside various public spaces, historic buildings, and temporary structures.

This distributed approach transforms the entire city into an exhibition space, breaking down barriers between art and everyday life. The strategic use of Liverpool's architectural heritage—from repurposed industrial warehouses to historic civic buildings—creates meaningful dialogues between contemporary art and the city's layered history.