The Independents Biennial had a record breaking audience in 2025. The festival, which runs concurrently to Liverpool Biennial and provides a platform for the artists and creatives who live and work in Liverpool city-region, was supported by Arts Council England with funding and in-kind support from three of its six boroughs.

In 2025, Independents Biennial welcomed 169,292 visitors through gallery doors to see the work of 470+ artists in 72 venues. A total of £329,750 in cash funding was brought into the region’s arts economy: £166,294 (50.4%) of that paid artists directly.

72 exhibition and event venues. 103 total venues, including print and performance. This is more than any previous edition. 206 events. Of which, most were exhibitions with multiple-day runs. This is 50% higher than any previous edition.

The focus for the festival was to improve artist-led spaces. Via two call outs, there were 40 commissioned artists and 22 commissions. 28 artists supported by independent funding with Art in Liverpool CIC as partners. With an aim to boost arts activity, the Independents Biennial also supported events and exhibitions with space, materials and support. A strong affiliate programme enabled the festival to highlight and promote arts activity that exists across Liverpool City-Region.

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