Independents Biennial 2025 returns to Liverpool City Region

The Independents Biennial 2025 is set to return to the Liverpool City Region, bringing together 22 new artistic commissions, 64 artists, and a vast programme of exhibitions and performances spread across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, and St Helens.

Running alongside Liverpool Biennial, the artist-led festival has been a cornerstone of the region’s grassroots art scene since 1999.

Formerly known as Tracey, Biennial Fringe, and Liverpool Independents, the festival is managed by Art in Liverpool and shaped by artists, artist groups, studios, and networks, all coming together to transform the city-region into an open gallery space.

This year, Independents Biennial will showcase artwork in over 120 locations – ranging from traditional galleries to disused high street spaces and unexpected outdoor locations.

Some of the standout venues include:

• Bidston Observatory
• Hilbre Island
• Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve
• Bluecoat
• The Atkinson
• Huyton Village
• The World of Glass
• Crown Building Studios
• Liverpool ONE
• Mersey Ferries
• Hamilton Square
• Victoria Road, New Brighton
• Fort Perch Rock

Each of these spaces will provide a unique setting for the diverse range of contemporary artworks, performances, and installations presented throughout the festival.

Independents Biennial has long been committed to showcasing artists who live and work within the Liverpool City Region, offering a platform for emerging and established creatives alike.

The 2025 commissioned artists include:

• Claire Beerjeraz
• CBS Gallery
• Rebecca Chesney
• Jon Davies & the Sound Art Network
• Alan Dunn
• Ellis Eyo Thompson
• Amy Flynn
• Freddy Franke & Rat Shack
• George Grace Gibson & Gee Collins
• Ellie Hoskins
• Anna Jane Houghton & Abbie Bradshaw
• Noel Jones & 24 Hope Street
• Brigitte Jurack
• Dongni Laing
• Georgina Tyson & The Royal Standard
• Sufea Mohamad Noor
• Daniel O’Dempsey
• Tom Stockley & Ruaíri Valentine
• The Drawing Paper (Show)
• Stephanie Trujillo
• Jacques Verkade & Callan Waldron Hall
• Les Weston

These artists will create new works, installations, and interactive experiences, ensuring that this year’s festival is one of the most dynamic and wide-reaching yet.

Patrick Kirk Smith, Director of Art in Liverpool and Lead Producer of Independents Biennial, said:

“2025 has been twenty-six years in the making. The festival responds to the needs of Merseyside’s artist networks as things stand, by promoting, supporting, and creating new gallery provisions, actively commissioning artists at every stage of their career, and continuing to support artists regardless of cash funds.”

“The Independents isn’t about making what’s possible, or what’s allowed, or supported. It’s always been about what’s not possible, and what goes unsupported. So we’re here, trying our best to support where we can, and that looks different for every artist.”

“This summer, that makes Merseyside look different for everybody, whether you’re wandering around a nature reserve or squished into a single car garage for a DJ set.”

How to Get Involved

The festival’s programme will be available through Art in Liverpool’s print magazine as well as digital platforms, ensuring visitors can easily navigate the diverse range of exhibitions, installations, performances, and events happening across the region.

For more information on Independents Biennial 2025 visit Art in Liverpool.

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