Independents Biennial 2025 to transform Liverpool City Region with artist-led festival

This summer, the Liverpool City Region will once again become a hub of creative energy as Independents Biennial 2025 returns, bringing a diverse range of visual art to all six boroughs.

The artist-led festival, running in parallel with the Liverpool Biennial, places independent artists and grassroots creative networks at its heart—showcasing the depth and vibrancy of the region’s contemporary art scene.

Since its inception in 1999, the festival has undergone several name changes—previously known as Tracey, Biennial Fringe, and Liverpool Independents—but its core mission remains unchanged: to provide a platform for independent artists, studios and collectives to share their work with new and wider audiences.

The 2025 edition will feature 22 new commissions and the work of over 64 artists, presented in a mix of traditional galleries, public spaces and unconventional venues. This year’s programme emphasises accessibility and place-making, drawing art out of the gallery and into the everyday lives of local communities.

Among this year’s standout commissions is a new work by Les Weston, which combines performance and sculpture to trace personal and collective memories tied to the Lee Park tower blocks in Netherley, from their opening in 1964 to their demolition in the 1970s, culminating in the construction of the Belle Vale Shopping Centre.

Another major feature is Drawing Out Hilbre Archipelago on Hilbre Island, developed in partnership with Bada artists. This project will include artist residencies, workshops, exhibitions and performances that explore the island’s ecology, heritage and future. The initiative also supports the wider restoration of Hilbre Island and the development of a new arts centre on site.

Further commissions include:

• Miniature dioramas installed in vacant shop units across St Helens Town Centre by artist Joao Koelho
• Ghost Art School, a project exploring community and identity within a former social club in Kensington, Liverpool

Each borough in the city region will host a range of exhibitions and activities:

Wirral:

• Hilbre Island – Drawing Out Hilbre Archipelago (Terry Duffy)
• Bidston Observatory – Tom Stockley
• Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve – Rod Dillon
• Fort Perch Rock, New Brighton – Landline Studios

Sefton:

• Bootle Town Hall
• Crosby Library (Rule of Threes)
• Crosby Beach
• The Atkinson
• 50MV Artist Studios
• Smollett Street and the Poet Streets, Bootle

Knowsley:

• Shakespeare North Playhouse
• Huyton town centre (public realm)
• Heart of Glass
• Make CIC

Liverpool:

• Fabric District
• Bridewell Studios
• Make North Docks
• CBS
• Open Eye Gallery
• Bluecoat Arts Centre
• Ratshack
• Old International Social Club, Kensington
• Belle Vale Shopping Centre
• MDI, Hope Street

St Helens:

• Public realm locations across the borough

Halton:

• Hazlehurst Studios

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

“Independent art is thriving across the Liverpool City Region, but access to formal exhibition spaces can often be limited. In response, artists are finding new ways to present their work—reclaiming public spaces, disused buildings and high streets as places for creative expression. This is a truly artist-led festival, shaped by the communities that live and work here.”

A full programme will be available through the Art in Liverpool print magazine and online platforms, helping audiences navigate the many exhibitions, events and performances taking place throughout the summer.

Find out more about the Independents Biennial here.

Find all the latest Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram here.