Liverpool Biennial Announces Artist List and ‘Age of Magical Thinking’ Theme
The 2027 edition explores childhood imagination through 25 international artists and collectives.
1The 2027 Biennial Theme
The upcoming Liverpool Biennial, scheduled from June 5 to September 19, 2027, centers on the theme The Age of Magical Thinking. Curators Aimee Harrison and Lucía Sanromán drew inspiration from psychologist Jean Piaget. The concept explores the developmental period in childhood where the boundaries between reality and imagination become fluid and blurred.
2Curatorial Vision and Intent
Co-curator Lucía Sanromán emphasizes that the exhibition focuses on socially engaged and participatory art forms. By adopting the perspectives of children and young people, the curators aim to address the complexities of the current global political climate. They view this lens as a way to navigate uncertainty while embracing potential possibilities.
3Diverse Global Artist Roster
The exhibition features 25 artists and collectives representing a wide range of international backgrounds. Participants include creators from Argentina, Taiwan, Greenland, and Ukraine, such as Francis Alÿs, Tania Candiani, and Laakkuluk Williamson. This diverse assembly reflects the curators' commitment to bringing varied global experiences into the heart of the North West England city.
4Public Engagement and Projects
A significant component of the 2027 event is a public art project located in Williamson Square. This specific installation is being developed through a collaboration between local young people and artist Harold Offeh. The project aims to integrate community voices directly into the Biennial's broader exploration of imagination and alternative world-building.
5Citywide Exhibition Venues
The Biennial will utilize multiple cultural landmarks across Liverpool to host its installations. Key venues include the Bluecoat, FACT Liverpool, and the Walker Art Gallery. Additionally, the Open Eye Gallery, Victoria Gallery Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, and the Exhibition Research Laboratory at Liverpool John Moores University will serve as primary sites for the artworks.
6Focus on Collective Learning
Aimee Harrison highlighted the opportunity for the public to learn alongside children about living in a challenging world. By focusing on the power of imagination, the organizers hope to foster a sense of possibility. The exhibition serves as a platform for examining how magical thinking can help create new, alternative worlds today.
7Historical Context of Biennials
The Liverpool Biennial remains a significant fixture in the UK cultural calendar, consistently transforming the city into a hub for contemporary art. By commissioning new works from international artists, the event maintains its reputation for fostering critical dialogue. It functions as a bridge between local community engagement and global artistic discourse.
8Anticipated Cultural Impact
As the 2027 edition approaches, the focus remains on how the theme will resonate with a global audience. By blending childhood developmental psychology with contemporary art, the Biennial seeks to provide a unique perspective on modern life. Observers should look for how these installations interact with Liverpool's historic urban landscape throughout summer.