Cathryn Wright Appointed as Chair of Liverpool Biennial Board

Taking over the role from current Chair Kathleen Soriano in September 2025, Cathryn will work with the trustees and wider team to support the strategic development and ambition of the organisation, ensuring that Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art, continues to deliver innovative and internationally acclaimed programming in the city.  

Cathryn brings her extensive leadership experience in finance, as well as the arts and charity sectors, to the role. She is currently Managing Director of Sedulo and has previously held an array of senior management positions in the not-for-profit sector, including Managing Director of the national equality charity, Stonewall. 

Cathryn Wright said: “Having been an admirer of Liverpool Biennial for many years, it’s a privilege to take on such an esteemed role at this point in the organisation’s evolution. I’m excited to build on the transformative work of Kathleen, Sam and the wider Board and team and would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to them for changing the landscape of visual arts in Liverpool, the UK, and beyond. Internally and externally, collaboration will remain at the heart of what we do and as we grow, we will ensure that communication with each other, our supporters and our partners, remains clear, inclusive, and constructive. I have huge ambitions for Liverpool Biennial and believe that we can maintain the spirit of the organisation while supporting increasingly ambitious projects and bringing the visual arts to wider and more diverse communities than ever before.” 

Kathleen Soriano said: “Chairing the Liverpool Biennial for the last 9 years has been one of the most enjoyable roles that I have ever had, and one that I have been most honoured to undertake. That is largely down to the incredible team that we have, and their dedication to art, to artists, and to our communities here in Liverpool and internationally. That Cathryn Wright has agreed to take on that role makes me very proud and gives me huge pleasure. I know that Cathryn will work closely with the team to make Liverpool Biennial the best it can possibly be, and I will watch with pride, and some envy, as she takes it forward into its next great chapter.” 

Dr Samantha Lackey, Director, Liverpool Biennial said: “We are delighted to welcome Cathryn Wright as Liverpool Biennial’s new Chair. Her significant experience in both the charity and commercial sectors, alongside her passion for culture, will be a great asset to the organisation as we look ahead to the future. Meanwhile, I, along with the whole Liverpool Biennial team and Board, would like to thank Kathleen for the invaluable support, leadership and guidance she has shared with us over the past 9 years.” 

The 13th edition of Liverpool Biennial, titled ‘BEDROCK’, will take place 7 June – 14 September 2025, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay.