Visitors to arts and cultural organisations across Liverpool have returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to a report published by Liverpool City Council.
The report revealed that during the 2023-24 financial year, the total visitors across all 27 organisations supported by the Council’s Culture and Arts Investment Programme (CAIP) were 3.4 million, up from 1.8 million in 22/23, indicating a return to pre-Covid levels.
The report also revealed that the programme supported 4,463 jobs over the last financial year, equivalent to a £33 million boost to the economy.
Figures from the Department for Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) revealed that the percentage of adults who have visited a museum or gallery in Liverpool in the last 12 months is the highest of all metropolitan boroughs across England. Liverpool was also in the top three boroughs for the percentage of adults who have watched a live arts event including theatre, visual arts or literature online.
The Key Performance in Culture and the Economy report, which will be presented to the Culture & Economy Scrutiny Committee this week, outlines an overview of the activities and impacts of the organisations supported by the council’s Culture Liverpool team, which in 2023 was responsible for curating what is widely regarded as the most successful Eurovision Host City programme ever.
This programme funds a diverse range of arts-based events throughout the city, including film and video screenings, festivals, carnivals, multi-disciplinary arts, creative crafts, dance, drama, literature, visual art, public art, digital art, theatre, comedy and music.
In total, 27 organisations receive funding, including major cultural institutions such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, The Bluecoat, FACT, Everyman and Playhouse, Unity Theatre and Royal Court.
The programme also supports notable festivals, including Liverpool Biennial, Africa Oye, and Writing on the Wall, as well as multicultural organisations like Milapfest, Pagoda, and 20 Stories High. Additionally, organisations such as Homotopia and Dadafest are funded for their exemplary and critically acclaimed work with artists, communities and audiences from diverse and underrepresented groups.
The full list of cultural partners who form part of the Culture and Arts Investment Programme:
20 Stories High, Africa Oye, Collective Encounters, The Comedy Trust, Dadafest, Everyman and Playhouse, FACT, First Take, The Florrie, Homotopia. Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, Liverpool Biennial, Liverpool Irish Festival, Luma Creates, Metal, Milap, Open Eye Gallery, Pagoda Arts, Liverpool’s Royal Court, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Society, Squash, Tmesis Theatre, The Bluecoat, Unity Theatre and Writing on the Wall.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“Liverpool has always boasted a thriving arts and cultural scene from world-class museums and galleries to the UK’s largest free festival of contemporary visual art. The city also has a proud history of opening up the arts to diverse audiences and promoting the value of arts and culture in enhancing health and wellbeing, something which was brought into sharp focus during COVID-19.The cultural resurgence following the pandemic has been instrumental in driving Liverpool’s broader economic and tourism growth.”
Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said:
“Liverpool hums with cultural excitement and it is brilliant to see visitors to the city’s iconic cultural institutions back at pre-pandemic levels.
“Liverpool’s unwavering support for the arts – from the mayor, the local authority and the community – is clearly demonstrated by the spectacular celebrations of culture they have hosted, their championing of the wonders of visual art and efforts to make museums and galleries more accessible. I look forward to watching the city’s cultural offering continue to flourish.”
Madeline Heneghan & Mike Morris, Co-Directors for Writing on the Wall, said:
“Writing on the Wall are proud to be part of the CAIP programme and to be part of a city that not only understands the value of arts and culture but puts its money where its mouth is. This funding is vital to keeping to communities stimulated and engaged. The diversity and vibrancy of the cultural offer that is afforded by CAIP funding ensures that Liverpool continues to be voted as one of the best cities to visit – not just nationally but globally.”
Michael Eakin, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, added:
“Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is enjoying our most successful season in years, with great attendances at concerts by the Orchestra and Choir, and by the incredible range of artists we present in Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and the Music Room. Also key to our impact is the 100,000 participations in our learning and community programmes such as Music And Health, In Harmony Liverpool, and the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Company. This range and ambition for work is only possible with the support we receive through the CAIP programme, from a Council that really understands that investment in the arts and culture is investment in the success of the city in relation to its economy, and to the health and well-being of its residents.”
Lynne Harwood, Director of First Take, said:
“For First Take being supported by CAIP is essential. It enables us to undertake invaluable work, filmmaking within oppressed communities and making films that impact on people’s lives. It allows us to bring further funding into the city and create films that are recognised in film festivals worldwide. Culture Liverpool’s ongoing support is crucial for the ground breaking work of First Take and for the communities we work with.”