Liverpool Biennial Names Artists for 2027 Edition

Liverpool Biennial has announced the artists and title for its 2027 edition, The Age of Magical Thinking, which will take place from 5 June to 19 September 2027.

The free contemporary art festival, established in 1998 and held every two years across Liverpool's galleries, public spaces and historic buildings, will feature 25 artists and collectives. Curated by Aimee Harrison and Lucía Sanromán, the exhibition will examine childhood, imagination and the role of young people in shaping public life.

The title refers to Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget's theories of childhood development, particularly the relationship between imagination and reality. According to the organisers, the participating artists will address subjects ranging from children's rights and the role of play to the influence of technology on how younger generations experience the world.

Participating artists include Francis Alÿs, Tania Candiani and Greenlandic Inuk artist and poet Laakkuluk Williamson, all of whom have been commissioned to produce new work. Other artists announced include Petrit Halilaj, Rineke Dijkstra, Iván Argote and Ruth Ewan.

Harold Offeh, 'Mmm, Gotta Try a Little' (2025). Installation shot, Kettles Yard. Photo: Jo Underhill, courtesy of Liverpool Biennial

One of the programme's public art projects will see artist Harold Offeh collaborate with young people in Liverpool to create a work for Williamson Square, in the city centre. The project will also involve a programme of events and activities over the summer.

Exhibitions and installations will be presented at venues including the Bluecoat, FACT Liverpool, Open Eye Gallery, Walker Art Gallery and Liverpool Cathedral, alongside works in public spaces. Further locations and details of individual commissions are expected to be announced in spring 2027.

The previous edition, BEDROCK, curated by Marie-Anne McQuay in 2025, brought together 30 artists and collectives to examine Liverpool's geological landscape and social history. The forthcoming edition shifts the focus towards the experiences and perspectives of children and young people.