Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest and longest-running free festival of contemporary visual art. Founded in 1998, it takes place every two years across galleries, historic buildings and unexpected public spaces in Liverpool, and between festivals it runs a year-round programme of public art commissions, community and school projects, and research. It is a registered charity supported by Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council.
Liverpool Biennial 2027
The 14th edition runs from 5 June to 12 September 2027. It is co-curated by Lucía Sanromán, chief curator at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC) in Mexico City, and Aimee Harrison, Liverpool Biennial’s Curator of Learning since 2019. The 2027 festival will be informed by perspectives and experiences of childhood and youth in Liverpool and around the world. Participating artists are expected to be announced later in 2026.
Liverpool Biennial 2025: BEDROCK
The 13th edition, BEDROCK, took place from 7 June to 14 September 2025, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay. Its title drew on the sandstone that runs beneath the city region and shapes Liverpool’s architecture, and used it as a metaphor for the people, places and values that form the city’s social foundations.
H3: Artists in BEDROCK (2025)
Alice Rekab, Amber Akaunu, Amy Claire Mills, Ana Navas, Anna Gonzalez Noguchi, Antonio Jose Guzman & Iva Jankovic, Cevdet Erek, ChihChung Chang, Christine Sun Kim, DARCH, Dawit L. Petros, Elizabeth Price, Fred Wilson, Hadassa Ngamba, Imayna Caceres, Isabel Nolan, Jennifer Tee, Kara Chin, Katarzyna Perlak, Karen Tam, Leasho Johnson, Linda Lamignan, Maria Loizidou, Mounira Al Solh, Nandan Ghiya, Nour Bishouty, Odur Ronald, Petros Moris, Sheila Hicks and Widline Cadet.
Where the Festival Takes Place
Each edition takes over a mix of art galleries, historic buildings and unexpected spaces across Liverpool. Recent editions have included partner institutions such as FACT Liverpool and Tate Liverpool alongside public sites around the city. Venue lists for 2027 will be published with the programme.
Between Festivals (2026)
There is no festival edition in 2026. Between festivals, Liverpool Biennial continues its year-round programme of public art commissions, community and school projects, talks and research; current events are listed on the official What’s On page.
Opportunities for Artists and Jobs
Artists in the festival are invited by the edition’s curators, and Liverpool Biennial does not run open calls or accept unsolicited proposals for the festival itself. It does occasionally publish open calls and development opportunities outside the main programme, and it hires a paid front-of-house team for each festival rather than volunteers. Both are listed on its “Work with us” page. For open calls across the UK, see ArtInfoland’s UK opportunities.
Recent Editions
| Edition | Year | Title | Curator(s) | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12th | 2023 | uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things | Khanyisile Mbongwa | 10 June – 17 September 2023 |
| 13th | 2025 | BEDROCK | Marie-Anne McQuay | 7 June – 14 September 2025 |
| 14th | 2027 | To be announced | Lucía Sanromán & Aimee Harrison | 5 June – 12 September 2027 |
Website: biennial.com
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often is the Liverpool Biennial?
Liverpool Biennial takes place every two years. Founded in 1998, it held its 13th edition, BEDROCK, in 2025, and the 14th edition runs from 5 June to 12 September 2027. Between festivals it runs a year-round programme of commissions and community projects.
2. Is Liverpool Biennial free?
Yes. All Liverpool Biennial exhibitions are free to visit, which is part of what makes it the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art. Some special events are ticketed, so check the official website or newsletter for event details.
3. When is the next Liverpool Biennial?
The next Liverpool Biennial, its 14th edition, runs from 5 June to 12 September 2027 across galleries, historic buildings and public spaces in Liverpool. Participating artists are expected to be announced later in 2026.
4. Is there a Liverpool Biennial in 2026?
No festival edition takes place in 2026, as the Biennial runs in odd-numbered years. During 2026 the organisation continues its year-round programme of public art, community and school projects while preparing the 2027 festival.
5. Who are the curators of Liverpool Biennial 2027?
The 2027 edition is co-curated by Lucía Sanromán, chief curator at MUAC in Mexico City, and Aimee Harrison, Liverpool Biennial’s Curator of Learning since 2019. Their festival will draw on experiences of childhood and youth in Liverpool and worldwide.
6. Can artists apply to take part in Liverpool Biennial?
Not for the main festival. Artists are invited by each edition’s curators, and the Biennial does not accept open applications or unsolicited proposals for the festival. It does occasionally post open calls and development opportunities outside the festival on its “Work with us” page.
7. Are there jobs at Liverpool Biennial?
Yes, occasionally. Liverpool Biennial hires a front-of-house team for every festival and lists open roles on its “Work with us” page. It does not offer volunteer positions, so paid roles around the 2027 festival are the main way to get involved.
8. Where is the next Biennale?
In 2027, Liverpool Biennial runs from 5 June to 12 September, and the Venice Architecture Biennale from 8 May to 21 November. See our Venice Biennale guide for dates and tickets.
2 Comments
Planning a UK and Europe art trip in summer 2027. Is it realistic to see Liverpool Biennial and the Venice Biennale on the same trip?
Yes, the dates overlap well. Liverpool Biennial 2027 runs from 5 June to 12 September, and the Venice Architecture Biennale runs from 8 May to 21 November 2027, so June to September works for both. Liverpool’s exhibitions are free, while Venice requires a ticket booked online. See our Venice Biennale guide, and check the official Liverpool Biennial website for venues once the 2027 programme is announced.