The Bluecoat
Also known as: Bluecoat Arts Centre Limited
The Bluecoat is Liverpool's Centre for the Contemporary Arts.Our purpose is to open up creative possibilities for individuals and communities. We do this through a programme of exhibitions, live art and participation projects; through support to artists; by opening our 18th Century building to makers, traders and visitors; and by creating connections between Liverpool and the rest of the world.
Activities & Mission
The Bluecoat is Liverpool's Centre for the Contemporary Arts.Our purpose is to open up creative possibilities for individuals and communities. We do this through a programme of exhibitions, live art and participation projects; through support to artists; by opening our 18th Century building to makers, traders and visitors; and by creating connections between Liverpool and the rest of the world.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 22% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 344). How is this calculated?
Higher than 10% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 8% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £2,346,014 | £2,512,865 | £1,167,010 | £8,046,779 | £235,387 | 90 / 13 |
| 2024 | £1,981,987 | £2,612,990 | £1,227,853 | £8,213,630 | £60,835 | 89 / 20 |
| 2023 | £2,203,348 | £2,764,812 | £1,462,492 | £8,844,633 | £388,501 | 81 / 0 |
| 2022 | £2,948,992 | £2,623,575 | £1,839,857 | £9,406,097 | £615,309 | 77 / 0 |
| 2021 | £1,801,082 | £1,832,858 | £1,309,963 | £9,080,681 | £449,031 | 65 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Bluecoat
What does The Bluecoat do?
The Bluecoat is Liverpool's Centre for the Contemporary Arts.Our purpose is to open up creative possibilities for individuals and communities. We do this through a programme of exhibitions, live art and participation projects; through support to artists; by opening our 18th Century building to makers, traders and visitors; and by creating connections between Liverpool and the rest of the world.
How much income did The Bluecoat report in 2025?
The Bluecoat reported total income of £2.35m and reported expenditure of £2.51m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Bluecoat?
The Bluecoat has a program ratio of 49.7%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 22% of UK Heritage charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 344 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Bluecoat registered as a charity?
The Bluecoat was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 24 November 1988 as charity number 700862. It has been registered for 38 years.
Who runs The Bluecoat?
The Bluecoat is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is Peter Malcolm Mearns. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Bluecoat operate?
The Bluecoat operates across 5 areas, including Knowsley, Liverpool City, Sefton and 2 others. The full list is shown on its profile.
Is The Bluecoat a registered charity?
Yes — The Bluecoat is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 700862.
Details
School Lane
Liverpool
L13BX
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 2 other charities
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Bluecoat Arts Centre Limited
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated