Liverpool will host a unique event showcasing the impact of Data Science this February, as the University of Liverpool’s Civic Data Cooperative (CDC) presents The Festival of Data, a three-day celebration running from 5–7 February 2026.
Taking place at the ACC Liverpool, the festival marks the culmination of the CDC’s ambitious five-year programme exploring how data can be collected, stewarded, visualised and used creatively to improve lives across the Liverpool City Region.
Each day of the event will showcase the different aspects and applications of Data Science, with a focus on health and civic data, and Artificial Intelligence.
At the heart of the festival is a programme of commissioned artworks translating complex ideas about data, health and society into playful, accessible and thought-provoking experiences. Created by artists from the city, and across the UK, working closely with local schools and communities, these artworks will be on display throughout the three-day event, inviting audiences of all ages and backgrounds to challenge their perceptions of what data science and artificial intelligence science is.
On Thursday 5 February, the following 8 artists will work with over 200 school children to produce these innovative works:
Textile artist Rachael Prime presents Village of Data 2026, a sculptural work made with recycled and repurposed materials. Known for her collaborative, environmentally conscious practice, Prime’s piece draws on community narratives and shared making to explore how data connects people and places, transforming abstract systems into something tactile and human.
Multidisciplinary artist David Bixter brings sound, image and interaction together in Living Score 2026. Using sonification and visualisation techniques, Bixter transforms data into an immersive, responsive environment where audiences can experiment and shape the experience themselves.
Arts-based researcher Dr Elaine McNeill contributes POP the Labyrinth 2026; a multimedia installation rooted in co-production and wellbeing. Drawing on her extensive experience working with patients, communities and cultural organisations, McNeill’s work highlights the role of creativity in health, inclusion and collective working.
Maker and technologist Jackie Pease presents Contemporary Quipu 2026, blending craft, code, recycled materials and programmable electronics. Inspired by ancient systems of recording information, the work explores how data can be embodied through pattern, fibre and light, celebrating experimentation and sustainable making.
Textile and print artist Brigitte Watkinson exhibits Hanging Data 2026, a large-scale textile artwork developed through hands-on, intuitive processes. Her work reflects her expertise in translating complex ideas into accessible creative experiences, encouraging audiences to explore data visually and materially.
Illustrator and sculptor Stuart Harrison brings a playful yet insightful approach with You Are What You Eat 2026. Drawing on his background in illustration, education and visual storytelling, the sculpture makes links between data, health and nutrition.
Illustrator Toni-Louise Carter contributes Liverpool’s Football Community 2026; an illustrated work rooted in storytelling and everyday life. Known for live illustration and visual minutes, Carter’s piece uses imagery to make information approachable while celebrating shared cultural narratives.
Alongside these works, Light Up the Brain 2026 is a participatory multimedia installation co-designed by public engagement volunteers from the Mental Health Research for Innovation Centre (M-RIC) and artist Jennie Wishart. Families are invited to interact with an illuminated brain sculpture, sparking conversations about mental health in positive, accessible ways.
Beyond the artworks, the Festival of Data offers three distinct days tailored to different audiences. Friday 6 February brings together industry, research and academia for a full day conference with panel discussions and workshops ending with a ‘Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas’ in the evening.
Saturday 7 February is designed for families, schools and the public, featuring hands-on activities, workshops and creative engagement – the day will include an interactive exhibition with family friendly activities, Data Art Safari, Lego Workshops, Data Detectives and live demonstrations from researchers and businesses.
Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and delivered by the Civic Data Cooperative and the Civic Health Innovation Labs at the University of Liverpool, the festival brings together partners from the NHS, local authorities, business, academia and the community. The Festival of Data serves as an appropriately ambitious and inclusive event to celebrate the CDC’s years of commitment to shaping better services, healthier communities and a more vibrant civic data environment for the Liverpool City Region. The Festival of Data is sponsored by The ACC Liverpool Group, Sodexo Live! and Pullman Liverpool.
