Liverpool’s arts and culture scene thrives as visitor numbers bounce back to pre-pandemic levels

Liverpool’s arts and culture scene is once again thriving, as visitor numbers to the city’s arts and cultural organisations have bounced back to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report from Liverpool City Council.

Over the 2023-24 financial year, a remarkable 3.4 million people visited the 27 organisations supported by the Council’s Culture and Arts Investment Programme (CAIP), doubling from 1.8 million in the previous year.

The report also revealed that the programme supported 4,463 jobs over the last financial year, equivalent to a £33 million boost to the economy.

Figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) revealed that the percentage of adults who have visited a museum or gallery in Liverpool in the last 12 months is the highest of all metropolitan boroughs across England. Liverpool was also in the top three boroughs for the percentage of adults who have watched a live arts event including theatre, visual arts or literature online.

The Key Performance in Culture and the Economy report, which will be presented to the Culture & Economy Scrutiny Committee this week, outlines an overview of the activities and impacts of the organisations supported by the council’s Culture Liverpool team, which in 2023 was responsible for curating what is widely regarded as the most successful Eurovision Host City programme ever.

This programme funds a diverse range of arts-based events throughout the city, including film and video screenings, festivals, carnivals, multi-disciplinary arts, creative crafts, dance, drama, literature, visual art, public art, digital art, theatre, comedy and music.

In total, 27 organisations receive funding, including major cultural institutions such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, The Bluecoat, FACT, Everyman and Playhouse, Unity Theatre and Royal Court.

The programme also supports notable festivals, including Liverpool Biennial, Africa Oye, and Writing on the Wall, as well as multicultural organisations like Milapfest, Pagoda, and 20 Stories High. Additionally, organisations such as Homotopia and Dadafest are funded for their exemplary and critically acclaimed work with artists, communities and audiences from diverse and underrepresented groups.

The full list of cultural partners who form part of the Culture and Arts Investment Programme:

20 Stories High, Africa Oye, Collective Encounters, The Comedy Trust, Dadafest, Everyman and Playhouse, FACT, First Take, The Florrie, Homotopia. Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, Liverpool Biennial, Liverpool Irish Festival, Luma Creates, Metal, Milap, Open Eye Gallery, Pagoda Arts, Liverpool’s Royal Court, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Squash, Tmesis Theatre, The Bluecoat, Unity Theatre and Writing on the Wall.

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