Visual Arts at MIF23

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

Manchester International Festival spans every imaginable arts discipline, yet always remains firmly rooted in its artistic ideals of reimagining how art events can be experienced and, of course, delighting audiences. This year is no different with a whole host of visual arts events, exhibitions and one-off activities that are taking over many of the arts venues in the city, including the freshly opened Factory International.

First up is the unmissable Yayoi Kusama and her inflatable artworks in You, Me and Balloons, which fill Factory International’s warehouse space with kaleidoscopic inflatable artworks.

Tino Sehgal’s This Entry remains a slightly mysterious display created with the help of a group of highly skilled people from very different professional fields. This event will be split between the National Football Museum and the Whitworth. Also at the Whitworth, you’ll find Economics The Blockbuster – It’s not Business as Usualan exhibition that examines the idea of economic systems via the lens and use of art.

Meanwhile, Balmy Army are a a movement for youth-led mental health, inviting everyone to protest about and discuss the issue with them at HOME. Another highlight, Find Your Eyes at Manchester Academy is artist Benji Reid’s live photography show, in which the artist invites a live theatre audience to take a peek behind the scenes at his unique creative process.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Sextile
Music in the North

Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring. 

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Exhibitions in the North

Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.