Arts and Culture
Discover the best of arts and culture in Liverpool, featuring exhibitions, interviews, and cultural events celebrating the city’s creative spirit.
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A Play Within A Play, Within A Dying Moment: ‘Dead Mom Play’ at Unity Theatre
Dead Mom Play, at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre, dared to confront the raw, uncomfortable edges of grief and artistic creation, and did so with a surprising blend of dark humour and theatrical self-awareness. What initially seemed a straightforward narrative of a young playwright facing his mother’s impending death quickly unfurled into a meta- theatrical exploration of the very act of storytelling and creative performance. The premise, a young playwright grappling with his dying mother and the…
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Spectacular ‘Borealis’ Installation To Illuminate Royal Albert Dock This Spring
Liverpool’s iconic Royal Albert Dock is set to host a breathtaking spectacle this March as the world-renowned art installation Borealis arrives in the city for the first time. Running from 20 – 30 March 2025, the immersive experience will transform the dock’s historic Hartley Quay into a mesmerizing recreation of the Northern Lights, offering a free must-see attraction for visitors. Created by acclaimed Swiss artist Dan Acher, Borealis blends technology and natural elements, using beams…
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In Conversation – Lisa Allen, CEO & Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse
When Lisa Allen took the reins as CEO & Creative Director of Shakespeare North Playhouse in September 2024, she stepped into a venue with a strong foundation and a passionate community behind it. With a deep appreciation for the theatre’s role in both artistic excellence and local engagement, Lisa is leading the Playhouse into an exciting new chapter. In this interview, we discuss her first impressions of the venue and the town’s rich history of…
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Review: Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake At The Empire Theatre
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, a groundbreaking reimagining of the classic ballet, continues to resonate decades after its debut as we saw tonight at the Liverpool Empire. This 30th-anniversary production of Swan Lake, while perhaps less shocking than its 1995 premiere, retains its anarchic spirit and emotional core, offering a potent exploration of family dynamics, repressed desire, and the search for identity. Bourne’s genius lies in his ability to blend the familiar narrative with a fresh,…
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Discover Creativity at Clever Hands – A Hub for Local Artists & Makers
Step into Clever Hands on Aigburth Road, a bright and inspiring space where creativity thrives! Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, unwind with a hands-on activity, or connect with a like-minded community, the workshops offer something for everyone. Join me, Clare, in March for a special illustration workshop, where we’ll explore the beauty of winged creatures through intricate line work. During the workshop, I will share my expertise in the art of fine…
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In Conversation – Ben Blais And Griffin Bellah, Dead Mom Play
Have you ever experienced a play that made you laugh and cry in equal measure? Dead Mom Play, a dark comedy about a young man confronting his mother’s death, has resonated with audiences and critics alike. With reviews highlighting its “funny and moving” nature (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) it’s a play that promises to stay in the mind for a long time. You are highly recommended to catch a performance at the Unity Theatre on Saturday…
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DaDaFest Reveals Exciting 2025 Programme
Award-winning DaDa has revealed its exciting 2025 festival programme which marks the Liverpool-based disability and Deaf arts-led organisation’s 40th anniversary. A busy line-up of film, including large-scale projection, performances, visual arts, workshops and talks are promised at this year’s DaDaFest International 40 (DDFI40) which runs from 8-31 March. With 90% of events open to the public for FREE the organisation is encouraging supporters to help it to keep it that way through donations. Events include a significant new photographic exhibition at the…
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Creative Spotlight: In Conversation with Ruth Dillon
Ruth Dillon is a multi-disciplinary artist working across photography, film, stop motion animation, and 3D installation. Her concept-driven work explores collective and living community memories, often addressing social issues. Beginning her career in photography and videography, including documenting the first National Aids Day event on Merseyside, she quickly became involved in socially engaged projects. She honed her film and darkroom skills, even contributing to the UK’s first Mobile studio for communities. A short film she…
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Liverpool Makers Bazaar Spotlight on Savage Directions
Liverpool Makers Bazaar is home to a diverse community of talented creators, each with a unique story and craft. In this feature series, Pauline Neville shines a spotlight on the makers behind the stalls, uncovering the passion and dedication that fuel their work. This time, we meet Ged of Savage Directions, an artist whose journey into cyanotype photography is as captivating as his artwork. Join us as we explore Ged’s artistic evolution, his inspirations, and…
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The Incredible ‘Beyond Van Gogh’ Returns To Liverpool And ‘Beyond Monet’ Makes It Debut In 2025
Liverpool is set to become the UK’s premier destination for immersive art experiences this summer, as Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience makes its highly anticipated return, and the stunning Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience debuts in the city for the first time. Following an extraordinary response in 2024, when Beyond Van Gogh attracted 60,000 visitors during its UK premiere, the multi-sensory experience will once again take over Exhibition Centre Liverpool. This time, it promises…
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In Conversation – Luce Mawdsley
Liverpool-based composer and guitarist Luce Mawdsley (they/them) crafts sonic tapestries woven from progressive experimentation and poetic inspiration. An autistic, nonbinary artist, Mawdsley’s work fearlessly explores the intersections of neurodivergence, mental health, and queerness, transmuting personal experience into subversive narratives of gender, sexuality, place, and identity. Their creative process is a journey of discovery, allowing the music to organically emerge as a landscape shaped by curiosity and intuitive intention. Mawdsley’s latest offering, Northwest & Nebulous, released…
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VisitLiverpool Shines the Spotlight On Liverpool City Region’s Film Locations
VisitLiverpool, in partnership with Liverpool Film Office, has launched the second phase of their screen tourism campaign, Liverpool. The Ultimate Setting, following the release of VisitBritain’s international screen tourism campaign, Starring GREAT Britain. This phase continues to celebrate and promote Liverpool City Region’s iconic film and television locations, inviting visitors to explore Liverpool through the lens of their favourite films and TV shows, highlighting the region’s vibrant film heritage and its reputation as a top…
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First Phase of Tate Liverpool Transformation Complete
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has visited Tate Liverpool today as the project to renew the galleries begins to take shape. The careful removal of the redundant components of the old gallery in the Grade 1 listed building has revealed the original brick walls of the historic warehouse, signalling the end of first phase of the project. The major reimagining of this Royal Albert Dock landmark is designed by 6a architects and will transform the UK’s most-popular…
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Outer Waves Festival: New, Immersive Music & Arts Festival Is Celebrating Liverpool’s Rich Underground
Outer Waves is a new alternative arts festival designed to fill a cultural gap in Liverpool’s existing festival landscape. Inspired by the city’s rich underground music and art history, the festival’s aim is to celebrate and strengthen Liverpool’s grassroots creative communities while inviting international artists and audiences to participate. By blending live music, visual arts, interactive performances, and educational initiatives, Outer Waves will not only provide an unforgettable festival experience but will also foster long-term…
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Art After Dark: Make CIC Launches a New Evening of Art, Open Studios, and Community Connections in Birkenhead
Make CIC is proud to announce the launch of Art After Dark, a brand-new evening event celebrating Birkenhead’s thriving creative scene through exhibitions, open studios, and community-driven activities. Taking place on Friday 21 March, Art After Dark invites visitors to explore the town’s artistic heart, with local creative spaces opening their doors for a night of discovery and connection. The event aims to foster collaboration between Birkenhead’s creative organisations, encourage engagement with the local arts…
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FACT Liverpool Unveils 2025 Programme
FACT Liverpool, the UK’s leading centre for art, film, and creative technology, announces its dynamic 2025 programme, featuring solo exhibitions, collaborative projects, and immersive experiences that push the boundaries of contemporary art and technology. The programme is highlighted by extraordinary international co-commissions and locally embedded participatory projects that bring together artists from multiple disciplines and practices. FACT Liverpool 2025 Exhibitions Christopher Kulendran Thomas’ Safe Zone and Bahar Noorizadeh’s Free to Choose (21 February – 11 May 2025) Bahar Noorizadeh,…
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Creative Spotlight: In Conversation with EB Lauren
Liverpool and Merseyside has a rich history of being a vibrant hub of creativity, home to artists whose work reflects the region’s rich culture and diversity. This new monthly column celebrates local talent by featuring a creative artist whose journey and craft has inspired and captivated across the region and internationally. Each article will explore the personal stories that shape their artistic style, uncovering how their background, experiences, and influences contribute to their unique vision.…
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In Conversation – Ethan Leyland
Up and coming Merseyside Fashion Designer Ethan Leyland takes time out to speak to Steve Kinrade about how he became interested in fashion and design, his influences, and the challenges of a young working-class student navigating the demands of an intensive degree course in the fast moving fashion industry. Liverpool Noise: Can you remember how old you were when you first took an interest in clothes and fashion? Ethan: I would say that my interest…
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Dip Into Pride Rainbow Bath Set for Charity Auction to Support LGBTQIA+ Community
The Dip Into Pride Bath, known to many as simply the “Rainbow Bath”, will be auctioned for charity at Adam Partridge Auction House on 6 November. The brightly coloured bath was originally created in 2023 when photographer and arts producer, Laura McCann was curating an exhibition for Pride. Laura wanted to include something interactive at the event and thought a roll top bath would be a fun way of encouraging people to immersing themselves in…
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In Conversation – Daniel Draper & Christie Allanson of Shut Out The Light’s ‘Liverpool Story’ Film
Liverpool Story captures a year in the life of Liverpool, exploring its unique character across every postcode. Filmed in 2023, the documentary by director Daniel Draper and producer Christie Allanson captures familiar and unexpected sides of the city, from drag nights to doggy daycare, revealing Liverpool’s rich culture beyond the backdrops seen in TV and film. In our conversation, Dan and Christie discuss how they aimed to capture the true essence of Liverpool through themes…
Liverpool has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most creative cities, with a thriving arts and culture scene that continues to inspire, innovate, and attract visitors from across the globe. From world-class art galleries and museums to grassroots exhibitions, community-led projects, and bold new work from emerging artists, the city offers an ever-changing landscape of creativity.
Our arts and culture in Liverpool section celebrates everything from major cultural moments to intimate creative experiences. Here, you’ll find coverage of the city’s most exciting art exhibitions, from Tate Liverpool’s thought-provoking contemporary shows to Bluecoat’s pioneering visual arts programme and FACT’s boundary-pushing exploration of digital culture. We also shine a spotlight on independent galleries and artist-run spaces, such as Output Gallery and dot-art, which champion local talent and give a platform to Liverpool’s diverse artistic voices.
But arts and culture in Liverpool is about more than exhibitions. It’s also about the stories behind the artists, curators, and cultural leaders who shape the city. Through interviews, features, and opinion pieces, we explore the inspirations, challenges, and creative journeys of those contributing to Liverpool’s cultural life. Whether it’s an established painter, a theatre director, or a multidisciplinary artist experimenting with new forms, we share their perspectives and amplify their work.
Liverpool’s cultural calendar is packed with must-see events, and this section keeps you up to date with the highlights. From visual arts festivals like Liverpool Biennial, to multi-arts celebrations such as Africa Oyé and Homotopia, we cover the festivals and events that bring people together and reflect the city’s spirit of creativity and inclusion. Alongside these larger-scale happenings, we also look at grassroots cultural activity—pop-up exhibitions, open studios, and collaborative community projects that keep the city’s cultural identity vibrant and alive.
The city’s strong cultural foundations, built on its history as a UNESCO City of Music and European Capital of Culture 2008, continue to fuel innovation. Today, arts and culture in Liverpool is about creating accessible, inclusive, and exciting opportunities for everyone to experience creativity. Whether you’re interested in traditional painting and sculpture, cutting-edge digital installations, performance art, or cultural heritage, Liverpool offers something for every taste.
By exploring this section, you’ll discover not only what’s on, but also gain insights into why the arts matter here and now. Liverpool’s artists and cultural organisations are shaping important conversations about identity, diversity, community, and the future—and we’re here to share their stories.
So whether you’re planning your next gallery visit, looking to discover a new artist, or simply want to stay connected with the heartbeat of Liverpool’s creative scene, this category is your guide to everything happening in arts and culture across the city.


















