Liverpool Biennial 2025 generated an economic impact of £17.4 million for the city, according to an independent report released today.
Liverpool Biennial ‘BEDROCK’, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay, took place from 7 June to 14 September 2025, featuring exhibitions at leading arts venues across the city including Bluecoat, FACT Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Central Library, Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, The Black-E and Walker Art Gallery.
Artworks were also presented at locations across the city including Liverpool ONE, Mann Island, Eurochemist, Pine Court, SEVENSTORE and 20 Jordan Street. 30 artists and collectives were invited to respond to the theme.
As the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art, Liverpool Biennial has been transforming the city through art for over two decades, taking over historic buildings, unexpected spaces and art galleries.
A dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, community and learning activities, and fringe events unfold over 14 weeks, shining a light on the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Research by the Audience Agency found that this year’s festival engaged an estimated 154,569 individual visitors, across an estimated 1,391,730 individual visits, with 43% of audiences visiting for the first time.
Liverpool Biennial 2025 attracted significant numbers into Liverpool from outside the city, as well as from the local area. Almost half travelled from outside the region – with 23% visiting from outside the UK and 26% from the UK outside the North West. Visitors came from 26 countries and over a third of total visitors stayed overnight – the majority of whom stayed in hotels – bringing significant spend into the city.
In terms of social impact, 72% agreed that Liverpool Biennial 2025 allowed them to spend quality time with friends and family, with 66% agreeing that their experience at the festival had a strong impact on their sense of wellbeing.
97% of respondents agreed that it’s important for Liverpool to stage events like this, 95% agreed that Liverpool Biennial has a positive impact on the city’s cultural offer and 70% of visitors said they are more likely to visit Liverpool again as a result of their experience at the festival.
Liverpool Biennial is supported by Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council and founding supporter James Moores.
The 14th edition of Liverpool Biennial will take place in 2027.
Dr Samantha Lackey, Director, Liverpool Biennial, said: “We are delighted with the findings of the Independent Evaluation of Liverpool Biennial 2025, which demonstrate the far-reaching and varied impacts of the festival on both the city and our audiences.
“I would first and foremost like to thank Marie-Anne McQuay and our artists, who created a Biennial that was so deeply rooted in the city. I am also incredibly grateful to our wonderful team, venues, and our delivery partners old and new for enabling us to bring ‘BEDROCK’ to life. We could not achieve what we do without their hard work and unwavering support.
“Finally, as always, our thanks go to our core funders Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council, whose ongoing support enables us to continue to bring exceptional art and artists to audiences across Liverpool, the UK and beyond.”
Cathryn Wright, Chair, Liverpool Biennial said: “This evaluation reaffirms the role of Liverpool Biennial in the cultural profile of Liverpool and illustrates the substantial economic benefits the festival brings to the city. As we move forward with our ambitious plans for 2027, I look forward to working with the team to build on the many successes of the 2025 edition.”