Brazilian visual artist Anne Wiziack moved to Liverpool in 2019, and the city's arts community helped turn a lifelong passion into a professional career.
From its historic arts venues to its independent galleries and artist-led initiatives, Liverpool has long provided a home for creative voices from across the world. For Anne, becoming part of this cultural community made the difference.
A City of culture
Liverpool’s cultural identity extends far beyond its internationally recognised music scene.
The city has a long history of supporting visual arts, theatre, literature and experimental creative practices, with organisations such as The Bluecoat, the UK’s oldest arts centre, continuing to provide space for artists to exhibit their work, collaborate and engage with local communities.
Alongside established cultural institutions, independent organisations play an important role in connecting artists with audiences and helping them develop their practice.
One example is dot-art, a Liverpool-based gallery and artist development organisation that supports local talent through exhibitions, professional development and opportunities to build sustainable creative careers.
Anne's journey
Anne became a member of dot-art in 2021, after discovering a creative environment that encouraged her to pursue art more seriously.
Through the organisation, she gained opportunities to exhibit her work, develop her confidence and explore art workshops: experiences that helped shape her direction as an artist.
"I was born as an artist, but I couldn’t imagine a life where art could truly support me,” says Anne, who grew up in Brazil. “I like to say that I was reborn in Liverpool.
"When I first arrived, I felt a connection I couldn’t explain. Only later I understood it was the artistic energy of the city: Liverpool lives and breathes art."
Lucy Byrne, managing director at dot-art, says:
“We are incredibly proud to have supported Anne on her journey. Her story reflects what we strive to do at dot-art, to nurture artists, help them build confidence, and create opportunities for sustainable creative careers.
"Anne is one of many artists who have flourished through Liverpool’s supportive arts ecosystem."
Echoes of Brazil
Anne’s experience reflects the role that cultural organisations can play in helping artists establish themselves in a new city. In 2025, she held her first solo exhibition, Echoes of Brazil, at Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre in partnership with dot-art.
The exhibition explored Brazilian heritage, identity and the relationship between nature and urban life, bringing elements of her background into a Liverpool cultural setting.
Her practice also reflects growing conversations around sustainability in the arts. Anne creates paintings using natural inks made from materials such as plants, vegetables and other organic matter, exploring how everyday natural resources can become artistic materials.
Some of her work depicts recognisable Liverpool landmarks, offering a different perspective on the city she now calls home.
Why it matters
The connection between international influences and local identity is part of what makes Liverpool’s creative scene distinctive.
Artists bring their own experiences, cultures and perspectives, while the city’s galleries, theatres, studios and community organisations provide opportunities for those perspectives to reach new audiences.
As Liverpool continues to develop its cultural offer, the experiences of artists such as Anne highlight the importance of accessible creative spaces, artist development and collaboration.
From historic institutions such as The Bluecoat to organisations like dot-art, the city’s arts network continues to create opportunities for people to contribute to its evolving cultural story.
