Manchester International Festival (MIF) is back and this year is even more exciting as it marks the opening of Factory International – a permanent home for the festival which will give Manchester international standing as a destination for arts and culture.

MIF is renowned for bringing critically acclaimed artists from all over the world to the city, connecting Manchester’s people with some of the most exciting creative minds of our generation. From musical performances to art exhibitions, performance art and more, the Manchester International Festival blurs art forms, pushes boundaries and creates hope for the future.

Traditionally the festival marks the beginning of summertime in the city; letting in the sunshine and allowing us to open our minds to creative thinking. Now with the opening of Factory International, we can expect a yearlong programme of arts, music and culture with original creative work and special events by leading artists from across the globe.

MIF will continue to spread Factory International’s work across the city every other year, taking over various venues and spaces across Greater Manchester.
 

What’s On in 2023
 

As 2023 is the opening year of Factory International, it’s a year of cultural significance and great excitement across our city. As you’d expect there’s a real buzz in the air, and this feels like Manchester’s moment to become a global destination for arts that will be celebrated across the world.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that the team behind MIF have pulled out all the stops for this year’s event. Expect world firsts, globally renowned names and a whole host of wonder and entertainment for everyone.

Some events are ticketed, but others are totally free to enjoy. Here is a round-up of some of the spectacular events you can expect to see as part of MIF 2023 and the official opening of Factory International.

Yayoi Kusama - You, Me and the Balloons

World-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama brings her largest-ever immersive environment to Manchester. Conceived especially for the soaring spaces of Factory International, Yayoi Kusama - You, Me and the Balloons celebrates three decades of the pioneering Japanese artist's inflatable artworks, which are brought together for the first time in this major exhibition. Journey through Kusama's psychedelic creations, including giant dolls, spectacular tendrilled landscapes and a vast constellation of polka-dot spheres. MIF have a range of affordable tickets for Yayoi Kusama - You, Me and the Balloons, including options for £10 or less and the exhibition runs from Friday 30 June to Monday 28 August 2023.
 

Festival Square 2023

Everyone’s favourite summer spot and the beating heart of MIF is back at its new riverside home with a free programme of live music and performances. Expect everything from family-friendly fun to late-night DJ sets. Over 190 artists are on the bill to take over Manchester’s newest outdoor space on the banks of the River Irwell, sot here really is something for everyone. There are also plenty of food and drink options from Manchester favourites, so why would you want to spend time anywhere else this summer? Learn more.
 

Ryan Gander: The Find

Hundreds of thousands of coins are hiding in plain sight across Manchester city centre throughout MIF23 and each is a collectable artwork created by artist Ryan Gander. He describes them as lucky charms and decision-making tools rolled into one. During The Find which takes place between Thursday 29 June and Sunday 16 July, they’ll be left across the city centre, from benches to food courts, tram seats to libraries. Explore the city and see whether you can find all three designs, each embellished with a nugget of wisdom.
 

We Cut Through Dust

We Cut Through Dust is a walk into the future, guided by a series of phone calls. Over an hour, you’ll be taken on a journey through the city set in a world not too far from now, but it might not be how you imagined things were going to be at all.

We Cut Through Dust is a collaboration between Blast Theory, an artist group that makes interactive work exploring social and political questions, and Manchester Street Poem, a co-produced art collective whose works reflect the personal experiences of Manchester’s marginalised communities. The exhibition runs from Saturday 29 June to Sunday 16 July and has a pay-what-you-decide policy.
 

Sonics, Stories and Scenes Of The Diaspora

On Saturday 1 July 2023, Manchester’s own SEEN Magazine will be taking over the new South Asian Gallery at Manchester Museum. With live performances, DJ sets, screenings and discussions this day-long takeover will shine a light on South Asian heritage and celebrate the sounds of the artists making waves today as well as how South Asian diaspora impacts the UK music scene and wider culture. Sonics, Stories and Scenes of the Diaspora is free and runs from 11 am to 11 pm.
 

Afrodeutesche With Manchester Camerata

Manchester’s very own polymath DJ, composer and producer AFRODEUTSCHE will premiere a new composition, especially for MIF23 on Wednesday 5 July 2023. Blending genres including contemporary classical, techno, house and electro. AFRODEUTSCHE will push boundaries and bring people together with a shared love of music. Performed by Manchester Camerata, one of the UK’s most infamously adventurous orchestras that have done everything from gracing the stages of Glastonbury to making music in care homes, this event is sure to be full of musical innovation. Tickets cost £25 with affordable options available for those on low incomes.
 

Justin Vivian Bond: One Night In Trans Vegas

Trans pioneer and icon of the cabaret scene, Justin Vivian Bond (or Viv to friends) has toured worldwide from the Sydney Opera House and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Now for MIF, Viv touches down in Manchester for one night only with a raucous and seductive evening of songs and stories with some very special guests. This event takes place on Thursday 6 July at Factory International, tickets cost £22 with affordable options available for those who qualify.
 

Sonic Geography

Sonic Geography features new music inspired by the climate crisis. This is a poignant and moving performance. Lose yourself in a world premiere by Grammy Award-winning composer John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat alongside new commissions by Ailís Ní Ríain and Alissa Firsova, all performed by the BBC Philharmonic and conducted by Vimbayi Kaziboni. Be transported by this concert of three new works inspired by the resolve, resilience and magic of the natural world.
 

Anna Meredith: Fibs With The Rncm Festival Orchestra

Powerhouse composer Anna Meredith has taken the orchestral world by storm. Now she’s heading to Manchester’s infamous Depot Mayfield with none other than the Royal Northern College of Music Festival Orchestra for a one-off spectacular. Bringing together contemporary classical, art pop, techno and experimental rock FIBS is an infectious, exhilarating genre-bending performance that you’ll never forget. This event takes place on Saturday 8 July at Depot Mayfield, tickets cost £25 with affordable options available for those on low incomes.
 

Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes

Combining photography, choreography and theatre to make striking and surreal images in front of a real-time audience, pioneer of hip-hop theatre Benji Reid is taking over Manchester Academy from Wednesday 12 to Sunday 16 July. Watch as Benji opens up on some of the most moving episodes of his life, and uses them to inspire his art, live. Tickets for Benji Reid: Find Your Eyes cost £26 with affordable options available for those on limited incomes.
 

R.O.S.E: Sharon Eyal, Gai Behar And Young With Ben Ufo

Choreographer Sharon Eyal, Gai Behar and London-based record label Young are joining forces at MIF to present a night of dance and music which celebrates the freedom, energy and intimacy of club culture. Hosted in the iconic New Century Hall, R.O.S.E is an event for everyone whether you want to dance or spectate. Expect an unforgettable moment as the dancefloor fills with dancing talent. This will take place from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 July and tickets range from £18 to £22.
 

50 Hours Of Freedom                 

Celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day with a creative lock-in at Contact on Friday 14 July. Contact and MIF are bringing together three local, non-binary artists to create an exclusive new piece of work and you’re invited to share. As it’s Contact’s 50th anniversary, the artists have 50 hours to complete their new piece following a brief from award-winning artist Danez Smith. Tickets cost £20 or £15 for those under 35. Affordable options are available. Learn more.
 

Desi Factory

Discover future sounds with a night of British South Asian Music at Factory International. A night of partying and discovery will close MIF23 and you can expect R&B-infused tracks, up-and-coming singer-songwriters and trailblazers of the UK’s Desi R&B and Bhangra scene. Curated by Sam Malik, a pioneer of the city’s creative scene, this event shines a light on the next generation of musical talent and will celebrate the best of British South Asian music. The event takes place on Saturday 15 July and tickets cost £35 with affordable options available. Learn more.

To view the full programme of events for Manchester International Festival (MIF) 2023 click here.

To find out more about events taking place at Factory International this year, visit our dedicated page.

To discover more art and cultural events across Greater Manchester, visit our What’s On page.