This year marks the 10th anniversary of Liverpool Artists’ Network, a grassroots organisation that has become a vital hub for the city’s visual arts community. Founded in 2015 by artists Colette Lilley and Josie Jenkins, Liverpool Artists’ Network was established to connect artists, encourage collaboration, and strengthen relationships across Liverpool’s independent visual arts scene.
Liverpool Artists’ Network emerged from a public meeting titled “Make Something Happen,” held at The Well Space on Roscoe Street, Liverpool, which attracted more than 50 attendees. At that time, the city’s studio groups were less interconnected and many independent artists were working in isolation with no obvious community network on offer. There was also a noticeable lull in independent fringe activity surrounding the Liverpool Biennial.
“We didn’t know exactly what would come out of that meeting,” said co-founder Josie Jenkins. “What we did know was that we wanted to bring artists and studio groups together and encourage people to take initiative – to make things happen for themselves rather than waiting for opportunities to come to them.”
Since that first gathering, Liverpool Artists’ Network has evolved into a thriving platform supporting visual artists through regular events and a growing online presence. The network’s meetings are designed to foster direct connection and exchange between artists in a relaxed setting.
Liverpool Artists’ Network’s programme includes:
Network Meetings, where artists and anyone interested in collaborating can informally share projects, ideas, or opportunities, followed by open discussion and socialising.
Slide Slams, a dynamic format in which participants present ten slides for forty seconds each, creating a fast-paced and engaging environment for sharing work.
Artists’ “Speed Dating”, which adapts the speed-dating model to help artists connect one-to-one, exchange ideas, and spark future collaborations.
Despite a decade of rapid change in technology and the dominance of social media, Liverpool Artists’ Network has found that artists continue to seek face-to-face connection as an essential part of creative practice.
In 2024, the organisation launched a redesigned website and the Directory of Creatives, an affordable subscription platform where visual artists can promote their work. The directory links the general public with local artists, offering direct contact for sales and commissions, or hiring roles such as teaching and workshop delivery.
Liverpool Artists’ Network also connects with the wider community through its two Instagram accounts:
@livartnet, which shares open calls, jobs, and studio vacancies for visual artists across Merseyside. Artists can tag @livartnet to help spread opportunities through the network’s Repost section.
@liv_artinerary, which focuses on promoting visual art exhibitions, events, and workshops happening across Merseyside. Organisers can tag @liv_artinerary to have their events shared with the local creative community.
“Our Instagram accounts have become a big part of how we stay connected with people,” said co-founder Colette Lilley. “They help us share opportunities and promote what’s happening across Merseyside’s visual arts scene. It’s a simple way for artists and organisers to reach a wider audience and feel part of the same creative network.”
As Liverpool Artists’ Network celebrates its tenth anniversary, the organisation continues to champion independence, connection and collaboration within Liverpool’s vibrant visual arts community.