Visual Arts at MIF25

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor Last Updated 17 June 2025

Visual arts have always been a core element of Manchester International Festival, with unique exhibitions that push the boundaries of how art can be displayed and encountered. MIF25 returns with artists as storytellers, sharing ancient knowledge, looking into the future or revealing the secrets of their studios, all the while seeking a deep connection with their viewers.

Indigenous wisdom is generously shared by Santiago Yahuarcani in The Beginning of Knowledge, while FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE combines cultural ceremony and digital art.

Shilpa Gupta considers the importance of language and experiences gathered along the way in shaping our identities in You are the place. Venture Arts‘ pop up studio allows us a peek into the studio of artist Michael Beard alongside others while An Inheritance sees local school children create time capsules to be opened in 100 years’ time, in a display as considered as it is moving.

MIF25: FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE at HOME

FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE at HOME Manchester, Manchester, Until 20 July 2025 - Book now

Happening for the duration of MIF25, the Queer Indigenous collective FAFSWAG transforms HOME into a vibrant hub of visual art, live ceremony and discussion. Fāgogo is a free digital exhibition (one of three elements of the project) showcasing the work of artists as storytellers of cultural knowledge and experience.

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MIF25: Santiago Yahuarcani – The Beginning of Knowledge at the Whitworth

Santiago Yahuarcani: The Beginning of Knowledge at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 4 January 2026, Free entry - Visit now

Yahuarcani’s paintings present visions of the natural world haunted by troubled human history and the importance of spiritual lessons that we’re yet to learn – this magical exhibition is not t0 be missed.

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Colorful artwork showing dolphins and mermaids swimming together in a rich blue ocean. — Santiago Yahuarcani, Sin título (Untitled) 2021, natural pigments and acrylic on llanchama, 60 x 87 cm. © Santiago Yahuarcani. Photo: CRISIS Galler

MIF25: Shilpa Gupta – You are the place at RISE Inavate Centre

Shilpa Gupta: You are the place at RISE Inavate Centre, Rochdale, Until 20 July 2025, Free entry - Visit now

Shilpa Gupta explores the role of language in developing a sense of place in a new sound installation created with local communities in Rochdale.

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A series of microphones hang from the ceiling with a muted warm light in the background. — Shilpa Gupta

MIF25: Venture Arts, Michael Beard

Venture Arts: Michael Beard at Aviva Studios, Manchester, Until 20 July 2025, Free entry - Visit now

Venture Arts sets up a pop-up studio at the Lab, where artists can make art in front of our very eyes, along with collaborative experiments with dance and music. There are lots of exciting workshops you can join too.

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A painting by Michael Beard showing yellow, red and blue lines on a black background. There is a red image of a dancer upside down overlayed on the painting. — Michael Beard Venture Arts

MIF25: An Inheritance at Manchester Art Gallery

An Inheritance at Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester, Until 2 November 2025, Free entry - Visit now

Manchester’s young people create a time capsule to capture the essence of their world today: the resulting exhibition is on display now and will be again in 100 years’ time.

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An open capsule on a beach at night. The image has a pink hue. — Factory International

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