Once every two years, Liverpool Biennial becomes the focal point of the UK’s contemporary art scene. In the 20 years since it started, it’s commissioned over 200 artworks from more than 400 international artists, making it the UK’s biggest contemporary arts festival. In 2018, the biennial’s 10th edition, artists are responding to the theme, ‘Beautiful world, where are you?’ a line from a German 18th century poem by Friedrich Schiller. It’s meant to express the social, political and economic turmoil of the era, but also to inspire optimism about the possibility of a better world. Commissions include the anthropological mixed-media work of Mexico-based former-architect Francis Alÿs, and the quiet poetry of Pakistani photographer Madiha Aijaz, whose work has featured in New North and South, the ongoing programme of collaborations between arts organisations from the North of England and South Asia. For a full list of artists now announced to be taking part in the Biennial click here. Taking place from mid-July until the end of October, Liverpool Biennial is a sprawling city-takeover, with exhibitions in venues such as the Tate, FACT, and RIBA North, as well as public spaces and more unconventional locations. This year, it also coincides with a year-long programme of events titled Liverpool 2018, celebrating the ten years since the city was designated European Capital of Culture, as well as the John Moores Painting Prize exhibition at the Walker Art Gallery. As if it wasn’t an important enough year for Scouse art already, it’s also Tate Liverpool’s 30th birthday.
Sat 14 Jul – Sun 28 Oct, various locations across Liverpool. Tel: 0151 709 7444, times and prices vary, www.biennial.com
For more unmissable arts and culture across the North West, click here.
Image: Holly Hendry, Homeostasis, 2014. Installation view at Courtyard C, Sharjah Art Foundation
- Words:
- William Felix Robinson
- Published on:
- Thu 18 Oct 2018
