Looking Back at Liverpool Biennial 2023

Liverpool Biennial, ‘uMoya: The Sacred Return of Lost Things’, took place from 10 June – 17 September 2023. The 12^th edition, curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa, unveiled a series of outdoor artworks across the city and free exhibitions in historic locations and leading art venues including Cotton Exchange, Tate Liverpool, Bluecoat, FACT Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery, Victoria Gallery and Museum and World Museum (National Museums Liverpool), alongside our festival hub at the historic Tobacco Warehouse.

Presenting the work of 35 artists and collectives from 6 continents, including 15 new commissions, the Biennial addressed the history and temperament of the city of Liverpool and was a call for ancestral and indigenous forms of knowledge, wisdom, and healing.

During the summer months, we delivered a dynamic programme of free performances, screenings, and events.  For families, schools and the wider community, the Learning Programme included a selection of online and physical resources, including a Children’s Guide, sensory pack, wellbeing routes to navigate the Biennial and workshops inspired by the work of Biennial artists.

We were delighted to bring the spirit of ‘uMoya’ to the city of Liverpool in this, our 25th anniversary year. In the context of global instability, the vision and experience of our curator Khanyisile Mbongwa brought a perspective of historic acknowledgement that both connected to Liverpool’s colonial past but also uncovered possibilities for joy, healing, and aliveness in its future.

This report provides statistics and background information, measuring our performance against four key outcomes, as well as comments from visitors and partners. Liverpool Biennial commissioned The Audience Agency to deliver the independent evaluation of Liverpool Biennial 2023 – a full report is available upon request.

We look forward to welcoming you to Liverpool Biennial 2025!