Ai Weiwei: New Work at Factory International
Venue
Aviva Studios
Water Street, M3 4JQ
Factory International's spring 2026 programme is led by Ai Weiwei, the Chinese contemporary artist whose work has shaped global political art for over two decades.
What to expect
Aviva Studios, the enormous arts venue at Mayfield that opened in 2023, is one of Europe's most ambitious contemporary art spaces, and a major Ai Weiwei commission is exactly the kind of programming it was built for. The format will likely be installation work that fills the building's vast spaces, with smaller programmed events including talks and performances around the main commission. Booking opens online via factoryinternational.org.
Practical info
Spring 2026 (check website for exact dates)
Aviva Studios, Water Street, M3 4JQ
Tickets typically £15-£30 depending on the event
Booking essential
Disabled access throughout
Bars and food on site
Cloakroom available
How to get there
Aviva Studios is a 10-minute walk from Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop and 15 minutes from St Peter's Square. The route along Water Street has been improved as part of the wider Mayfield regeneration.
Context
Aviva Studios is the new permanent home of Factory International (formerly Manchester International Festival) and opened in 2023. It's one of the most ambitious cultural buildings opened in the UK this century.
What's nearby
Castlefield is right next door, with all of its excellent canalside pubs. Spinningfields is a 5-minute walk for pre or post-show dinner.