OMA's factory international takes shape in manchester as a cultural riverside destination

oma’s Factory International in the UK is due to open its doors

In 2020, Factory International broke ground after obtaining approval for its plans that had been authorized in 2017, marking a significant milestone three years later. Designed by the renowned firm OMA, the project takes shape as a flagship cultural venue in Manchester, England, eagerly anticipating its imminent public debut in the coming months.

Factory International, the organization responsible for both the Manchester International Festival (MIF) and the upcoming cultural space, aims to establish Manchester as a global hub for arts, music, and culture. With a commitment to commissioning, producing, and presenting a diverse range of original creative works, music, and special events, Factory International intends to captivate audiences throughout the year at its new venue, online, and across the globe through its network of co-commissioners and partners. Additionally, it will host the city-wide Festival biennially, showcasing performances not only at its new home but also at various venues and spaces across Greater Manchester. Guided by MIF’s core values and aspirations, Factory International fosters an environment where artists are encouraged to push the boundaries of artistic expression, embrace interdisciplinary collaborations, and dissolve the distinctions between art and popular culture.

a new era of artistic expression

Ellen van Loon, a prominent figure at the esteemed architectural firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), leads the design of the new venue, marking OMA’s inaugural major public project in the United Kingdom. Spearheaded by the Manchester City Council and supported by HM Government and Arts Council England, the venue’s construction focuses on adaptability and versatility, with large, open spaces that can be continuously reconfigured. This design approach empowers artists to conceive and realize groundbreaking, large-scale artistic endeavors that push the boundaries of creativity.

Within this facility, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a diverse array of art forms year-round, ranging from grand exhibitions and concerts to intimate performances and multi-sensory experiences. With over 80 annual gigs, the venue will provide an exceptional platform for artistic expression. Spanning 13,350 square meters, the building includes a 21-meter-high warehouse capable of accommodating up to 5,000 standing individuals, which can also be partitioned using a movable, full-height acoustic wall. Additionally, there is a hall with a flexible stage, capable of hosting up to 1,600 seated or 2,000 standing spectators, complemented by various indoor and outdoor spaces.

‘This will be a new type of performance space–a unique crossover between a fixed theatre and flexible warehouse. Super-sized moveable walls enable endless configurations within a large space, allowing audiences unexpected vistas of performers. I hope that whenever people come to visit they always experience something different as if with each visit they encounter a different building,’ described Ellen van Loon, OMA Partner and Lead Architect.

a dynamic riverside destination for young and old

The warehouse and the hall have been ingeniously designed to integrate seamlessly, allowing the proscenium to fully open into the warehouse and extending the stage deeper into the building. This feature enables a harmonious collaboration between the two spaces. In addition to its performance areas, the venue boasts vibrant public spaces that will be teeming with year-round activities, from family-friendly workshops to pop-up food stalls, music events and markets. Thus, the venue will thrive as a dynamic riverside destination that attracts people from all walks of life.

OMA’s Factory International will join forces with venues, festivals, and companies across the globe to co-commission talented artists. By working closely with local, national, and international partners and co-producers, Factory International will produce and premiere new works that will eventually travel worldwide. Furthermore, the organization will actively engage in the exchange of ideas, projects, and training with peers worldwide, fostering a vibrant global network of artistic innovation and collaboration.

fusion of technology, art, and community engagement

Factory International is driven by the boundless potential of digital technology, serving as the core of its visionary concept. This cutting-edge approach fuels experimentation and innovation in the realm of physical productions while also unlocking the ability to create captivating experiences within virtual worlds. Moreover, Factory International will function as an innovative laboratory, fostering experimentation, research, and development, thereby serving as a nurturing ground for the next generation of creators.

To cultivate emerging talent, programs such as the Factory Fellowships will provide opportunities for budding artists to work alongside international creatives. Recognizing the significance of community engagement, OMA’s Factory International will build upon the legacy of MIF by actively involving Greater Manchester residents. By generating employment, fostering skills, providing training, and creating creative prospects for local individuals and artists, Factory International will establish itself as an integral component of the Greater Manchester community.

Factory International will forge partnerships with schools and collaborate with local arts and education organizations to offer a wide range of year-round learning opportunities for residents of all ages in Greater Manchester. By integrating arts and creativity into school, college, and university curricula, the project will instill a deep-rooted appreciation for the arts and foster creative development beyond formal education.

Grounded in Manchester, Factory International will bolster the city’s reputation as a national and international cultural, creative, and innovative center. Additionally, it will attract international visitors, benefiting the visitor economy and tourism in the city. The economic impact of Factory International will be substantial, generating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs and contributing £1.1 billion to the city’s economy over a decade.