Manchester’s new cultural landmark has officially opened its doors today

Aviva Studios, home to Factory International, has officially opened its doors in Manchester following an epic immersive performance created by director Danny Boyle.

The prism-like venue, designed by Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), is the permanent home to Factory international, the UK’s largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000.

Aviva Studios officially opened to welcome the public today (October 18th) following the world premiere of Free Your Mind, a large-scale immersive performance.

World-leading artists collaborated along with 50 professional dancers to brought to life the production of Free Your Mind – a dramatic reimagining of the 1999 cult classic sci-fi The Matrix – which was specially curated to fit the flexible spaces of the new structure.

Directed by Danny Boyle, Free Your Mind brings together the visceral movement of choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy with a powerful score from renowned composer Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante , set design by world-leading artist and designer Es Devlin and the work of the acclaimed writer Sabrina Mahfouz.

Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts, music and culture located at the heart of the new St John’s neighbourhood in Manchester, a burgeoning city centre hub for creativity and digital innovation. 

The development is led by Manchester City Council, with backing of £99.05 million from HM Government and £7 million National Lottery funding from Arts Council England and supported by Aviva, as principal partner to the venue.

The design of the 13,350-square-metre building is based around large, open, flexible spaces that can be constantly reconfigured, enabling artists to create large-scale ambitious works of a kind not seen anywhere else in the world, and providing a canvas to make, explore and experiment.

Following Free Your Mind, Aviva Studios will host The Welcome from November 11th-19th – a nine-day programme of music, circus, art and fashion.

Johnny Marr also presents two nights of music with an orchestra made up of northern musicians from December 7th-8th, with plenty more in the pipeline.

Programmed and operated by Factory International, the organisation behind Manchester International Festival, Aviva Studios will host a year-round programme of original productions and special events across all artforms – from major exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and immersive experiences. 

Upcoming programme highlights set to take place throughout 2024 include the likes of visionary director Robert Wilson – who will team up with surreal folk duo CocoRosie to retell Kipling’s renowned novel Jungle Book (March 2024).

 As well as Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, and Imogen Knight – who will join forces with Gazelle Twin and Daisy Johnson to present a feminist theatrical reimagining of John Bowen’s Robin Redbreast, plus many, many more.

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “I’m so excited and proud to be welcoming audiences to the official opening of our magnificent new home.

“At every stage in imagining and building this extraordinary space, we have focused on creating new possibilities – for artists to let their imaginations fly, for citizens of Manchester and the world to meet and dream, and for people of all ages and backgrounds to build skills and gain experience.”

“Our official opening production, the Matrix-inspired Free Your Mind has been created especially for this moment by an incredible team, alongside an extraordinary mix of dancers, creatives and local participants, and is uniquely designed to showcase the versatility and ambition of the space,” he continued.

Adding: “We can’t wait to welcome you all to experience it!” 

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council hailed the venue opening as a ‘landmark moment not just in Manchester’, but ‘for the North of England and indeed the UK as a whole’.

Councillor Craig also called it ‘internationally-important’, adding: “It’s a unique venue, a real asset for the future which will stimulate minds and spirits as well as acting as a catalyst to economic growth and opportunities.”