Liverpool Biennial postponed until 2021

Liverpool Biennial has been postponed for 12 months.

The UK’s largest festival of contemporary art was due to take place at locations across the city this summer.

But Biennial bosses have now taken the decision to put back the event until 2021.

Liverpool Biennial director Fatoş Üstek said today: “Together, we are facing a crisis: a slowly evolving tragedy that will require strength, adaptation and endurance to overcome.

“After attending to this situation on a local and global scale, listening to our artists, partners, supporters and our community, we have decided to postpone the 11th edition of the Liverpool Biennial to 2021.

“We believe that it is time for heightened care, reflection and solidarity. Culture and creativity are integral parts of our lives – that will not wither away. During these uncertain days, while we continue to develop this edition, we will be honouring our commitment to all those we work with and for in Liverpool and beyond.”

The Biennial had been due to run from July 11 to October 25 and involve more than 50 leading national and international artists responding to the theme The Body and The Port in a dynamic programme of free exhibitions, performances, screenings and fringe events.

A new date for the festival is yet to be announced.

Its postponement follows a host of other cancellations and postponements including Threshold Festival, River Festival Liverpool, Light Night, Africa Oyé, Sound City and Pride.