Liverpool Biennial announces 2025 festival curator

Former Bluecoat head of programme Marie-Anne Maquay has been announced as the curator of the 2025 Liverpool Biennial.

Macquay, who is currently director of projects at Arts&Heritage, will helm the 13th edition of the Biennial which takes place from June 7 to September 14 next year.

On the announcement today, she said: “I feel honoured to be curating the 13th edition of Liverpool Biennial with and for the city where I live. I’m so looking forward to reflecting on civic life, researching international exchanges, and collaborating with the wider team on Liverpool Biennial 2025.” 

And Biennial director, Dr Samantha Lackey, added: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Marie-Anne to the team for Liverpool Biennial 2025. Her longstanding relationship with the city of Liverpool will bring insight and intention to every part of the next festival, re-thinking the city’s changing relationships to the rest of the world.

“I look forward to working with Marie-Anne, our partners and artists across the city over the coming months as we begin to bring the festival to life.”

Maquay was head of programme at the Bluecoat from 2014 to 2022 and before that was curator at Spike Island in Bristol from 2007-13. At the Bluecoat she commissioned new work by artists including Larissa Sansour, Jonathan Baldock, Sumuyaa Khader and Grace Ndiritu.

Liverpool Biennial is the UK’s largest festival of contemporary visual art. The 13th edition runs from June 7-September 14, 2025.

Top: Marie-Anne Maquay. Photo by Zak Grant.