We’re now full swing into Manchester International Festival – Manchester’s biennial festival which brings a huge line-up of art, music, dance, theatre and much more to the city.
The festival spans over the city with events taking place in both traditional arts venues and some more unexpected venues in Manchester. Although many events are ticketed there are a range of free events to attend over the exciting 18 days across the city – so everyone can join in the fun.
The heart of the festival is located in Albert Square outside the town hall for the duration of the festival. With food, pop-up bars, live music and DJs, all of which is free to attend.
Where: Albert Square
When: 4 – 21 July
Taking place in The University’s very own Whitworth Art Gallery and Whitworth Park, this event explores what life would be like if cats, dogs, cows, birds and much more lived with us as peers as not pets. Imagine your dog as a lecturer, or a conference being led by a cow?
Animals of Manchester has been especially curated for MIF’s closing weekend.
Where: The Whitworth and Whitworth Park
When: 20 – 21 July, 10am – 5pm
This work comes from the artist Ibrahim Mahama and reflects on the history of his native Ghana, a country assessing its identity and independence after decades of British rule. Scrapped school furniture, abandoned train seats, old government documents will create this haunting art piece.
Alongside the main installation will be photographs, paintings, sculpture and film.
Where: The Whitworth
When: 5 – 21 July, 10am – 5pm daily. Note that this exhibition continues after MIF until 29 September.
Best known for his works Twin Peaks and Mulholland drive, the American filmmaker, musician, painter and photographer will take over HOME for the majority of this year’s festival. This celebration of his worth will see his other mediums exhibited for the first time, and will be the first major exhibition of the directors paintings, drawings and sculpture.
Where: HOME
When: 6 – 21 July
You can also find out more about the festival, see live up dates and get behind the scenes with Manchester International Festival live.
To find out what else is on during the festival visit the MIF website here.
*Image of festival square taken by Martin Bush, from MIF Live Gallery