Poppy Bowers, Head of Exhibitions at the Whitworth, Introduces us to a new project with The University of Manchester, presented as part of MIF23.
MIF23
Damien Frost
Manchester International Festival returns, this year with many of the biggest comissions found at cultural spaces around Oxford Road. Here’s what’s happening here on the Corridor.
One of the leading worldwide incubators for new, cutting-edge art. Though the festival has an international outlook and reputation, it also showcases Manchester stories and talent.
New York Times
Factory International has announced the 2023 edition of Manchester International Festival, which takes place from 29 June to 16 July. Working with partners regionally and across the globe, the wide-ranging programme of original new work by artists from around the world will take place in venues and spaces throughout the city, with many taking place across the Oxford Road Corridor and at Factory International’s much-anticipated new home, which opens its doors for the first time for the Festival, in advance of its official opening in October.
From a collaboration exploring art and the beautiful game by curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and footballer Juan Mata, featuring new work by Tino Sehgal, to a mixed reality concert by Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, from a live photographic performance by Benji Reid to a musical adaptation of a cult queer classic by Philip Venables and Ted Huffman, the expansive programme of new work premiering at the Festival will see art forms merge, breaking new creative ground and challenging perceptions.
Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Factory International & Manchester International Festival John McGrath says: “From the radical and agenda setting to the purest of celebrations, MIF23’s programme covers a huge range of art forms and styles – from a ritual on the banks of a newly uncovered river, to mixed reality from one of Japan’s greatest composers, from a hunt for artworks across the city to a residency from one of American music’s most vibrant superstars. A genuine melting pot of creativity where artists share their ideas with each other and the public, the Festival will once again take the temperature of our times, and imagine possibilities for the future.
You can see the entire MIF23 lineup here. Below are some of the best events which you can see here on the Corridor.
What’s On
Summer theatre, exhhibitions and the return of Manchester International Festival. Loads to do this July in and around Oxford Road.
When it comes to outdoor food and drink, Oxford Road Corridor has some unmissable spots. Here’s where to visit.
Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.
Hatch is Manchester’s pop-up retail, food and drink destination on Oxford Road with something for just about everyone. It is a place to shop, eat and drink, 7 days a week at over 30 independent traders.
Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.
Places to visit
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More things to do
The Pankhurst Centre | 29 August 2021 – 31 August 2025
The transformation of the Pankhurst Centre exhibition space is incredible thanks to its new permanent exhibition, At Home with the Pankhurst Family.
The Whitworth | 26 January – 26 November 2023
(Un)Defining Queer delves into the Whitworth’s collection to examine how we can use a queer lens to define what the term ‘queer’ means.
The Manchester Museum | 18 February 2023 – 14 April 2024
Golden Mummies of Egypt is Manchester Museum’s re-opening exhibition. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience opens in February 2023.
The Manchester Museum | 18 February – 31 July 2023
Dab Hands is an exhibition that celebrates the extraordinary relationship that we have with our hands and the value of the skills that can be acquired
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House | 2 April 2023
A new exhibition exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell presented Manchester and its people through her novels and short stories, and the impact she had through her writing.
The Whitworth | 7 April 2023 – 7 January 2024
Traces of Displacement uses the Whitworth’s collection to address one of the major humanitarian concerns – forced displacement.
The Refuge | 1 June – 31 August 2023
Celebrated music photographer Richard Kelly showcases never before seen shots of Amy Winehouse, Florence and the Machine and more.
HOME | 17 June – 13 August 2023
Gherdai Hassell presents a new body of work at HOME in an exhibition that explores the multifaceted nature of identity.
Castlefield Gallery | 25 June – 24 September 2023
The Poetics of Water asks visitors to look at landscapes, borders and centuries and think deeply about soil and water’s fundamental elements.
HOME | 27 June – 1 July 2023
I, Daniel Blake is one of the most important stories of a generation. A glimpse behind the headlines and the stark reality of what happens…
HOME | 28 June – 2 July 2023
The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME brings together theatre, dance and song for the ultimate anarchic bedtime story.
Various Venues | 28 June – 16 July 2023
Manchester International Festival returns, this year with many of the biggest commissions found at cultural spaces around Oxford Road. Here’s what’s happening here on the Corridor.
Royal Northern College of Music | 29 June 2023
RNCM’s Wind Orchestra returns this summer for a riveting evening of new works, including Luis Serrano Alarcón’s Cello Concerto.
The Whitworth | 30 June – 22 October 2023
Economics the Blockbuster is a research and exhibition project, developed in collaboration with Alliance Manchester Business School and MIF.
The Whitworth | 30 June 2023 – 10 March 2024
Albrecht Dürer’s Material World is the first major exhibition of the Whitworth’s outstanding Dürer collection in over half a century.
Contact | 30 June 2023
Creating a better world through inclusion in the Arts and Humanities by Dr Jessica Gagnon, Manchester Institute of Education
YES | 30 June 2023
House producer and vinyl junkie Hunee cultivates deep, sunny grooves with a clear reverence for Chicago and Detroit house as well as jazz, and dub influences.
The Manchester Museum | 1 July 2023
SEEN Magazine and Manchester Museum shine a spotlight on the sounds of the South Asian diaspora for Manchester International Festival.
HOME | 1 July – 17 September 2023
A movement for youth-led mental health. Balmy Army is art and activism rolled into one show – expect the unexpected.
Royal Northern College of Music | 2 July 2023
To mark the end of its 50th year, the Royal Northern College of Music is throwing open its doors to the local community.
Royal Northern College of Music | 2 July 2023
Join RNCM for a one-off, semi-staged performance of Sondheim’s award-winning adventure, Into the Woods.
Royal Northern College of Music | 2 July 2023
RNCM round off their celebrations with some of Manchester’s finest DJs taking us through five decades of music.
Manchester Poetry Library | 3 July – 2 September 2023
Manchester Poetry Library is proud to present Untold Stories, an exhibition featuring stories and creative writing from participants in the Untold Stories project
Palace Theatre | 4 – 23 July 2023
The smash-hit musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory based on Roald Dahl’s classic story.
HOME | 6 – 8 July 2023
Weaving personal tragedy with catastrophe at large, All right. Good night. is a meditation on loss and how to deal with uncertainty.
The Whitworth | 7 – 16 July 2023
Tino Sehgal presents a playful exchange between different masters of their craft. Premieres at the National Football Museum and the Whitworth.
Contact | 7 July 2023
What do we mean by ‘Loneliness’? by Prof Pamela Qualiter, Dr Lily Verity, and Jasmine Conway
The Bridgewater Hall | 7 July 2023
Lose yourself in the world premiere of Sonic Geography by John Luther Adams, played by pianist Ralph Van Raat.
HOME | 7 – 10 July 2023
Rise and Shine Motherlovers! Hot Brown Honey are back with THE REMIX – Fierce! Femme! Global First Nations!
Manchester Central Library | 10 July – 30 September 2023
Curry Mile – A Changing Neighbourhood is a documentary photography project exploring ‘present day’ Wilmslow Road.
Manchester Academy | 12 – 16 July 2023
Known for Afro-futurist images that seem to defy gravity, Benji Reid invites us to watch him at play as he creates live photography in this genre-bending show.
The Manchester Museum | 13 July 2023
Join Creative Manchester at The Museum for a one-day symposium exploring creative health in Greater Manchester.
Contact | 14 July 2023
Oral Histories and Futures by Professor Sarah Marie Hall will touch on the role of creative and participatory methods to get at often untold stories
Contact | 14 July 2023
Celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day with 50 Hours of Freedom, a creative lock-in at Contact for MIF23
CityLabs 1.0 & Online | 7 – 12 July 2023
Increase your chances of business success with our upcoming Business Startup Bootcamp, designed for early-stage MedTech companies.
Bundobust Brewery in the St James Building on Oxford Street is the latest, and arguably the best addition to the ever-growing Bundobust chain.
WOOD Manchester offers one of the city’s best fine dining experiences, from the locally-loved winner of 2015 MasterChef winner Simon Wood.
The Refuge, at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, is a luxurious, modern restaurant, housed in a magnificent, Alfred Waterhouse designed, Victorian brick and terracotta building offers 10,000 sq ft of drinking and dining for everyone and anyone with the instruction “Come As You Are”.
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying breakfast around Oxford Road, you’re in luck! Manchester’s vibrant knowledge quarter is home to a wide variety of eateries serving up tasty morning meals to kickstart your day.
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and fizz.
Oxford Road is packed with a great range of bars and pubs where you can get your fill of cocktails, spirits and any other liquor you can think of.
Circle Square is an exciting multi-million pound, mixed-use neighbourhood, created on the site of the former BBC building on Oxford Road.
First Street is a vibrant neighbourhood between Oxford Road and Deansgate, it is home to a number of businesses and is a popular spot for food, drink and culture.
Oxford Road Corridor has a number of historic parks and contemporary green spaces to enjoy.