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.

Our top picks

MIF23: Economics The Blockbuster – It’s not Business as Usual at the Whitworth

Economics The Blockbuster at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 22 October 2023, free entry - Visit now

Business can sometimes be a dirty world in the art circles but this exhibition clearly illustrates that it can sustainable and communities can be cared for as a result. The show is bursting with ideas for ethical businesses and innovative ways of supporting the people in and around them.

Members and regular pickers of Company Drinks, a community - driven drinks business, forage for hawthorns at Eastbrookend Country Park in Dagenham, East London/Essex. Photo courtesy of Company Drinks
Father John Misty and Friends at The Piece Hall
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