This year’s festival promises a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of Black history, identity, and creativity, with a rich line-up of events that showcase Black excellence across multiple art forms.
As the city prepares for a summer of celebration, MIF25 invites audiences to experience performances, exhibitions, and installations that highlight the strength, resilience, and transformative power of Black culture. From thought-provoking theatre to immersive multimedia experiences, the festival aims to bring global Black heritage into contemporary cultural conversations, offering something for all art enthusiasts, activists, and those eager to learn about the importance of Black heritage in shaping our world.
Liberation: A Play Rooted in Black British History
One of the highlights of the festival is the world premiere of Liberation, a stirring play written by Ntombizodwa Nyoni and directed by Monique Touko. Inspired by the 1945 Fifth Pan-African Congress, a pivotal event held in Manchester, Liberation brings to life the activists and leaders who fought for Africa’s independence. This gripping production offers a personal exploration of their struggles and the ongoing relevance of their activism in today’s world.
The play will be staged at the Royal Exchange Theatre from June 27 to July 26, 2025, as part of MIF25’s commitment to reflecting on Black history and the global struggle for justice and equality.
Blackhaine: And Now I Know What Love Is
MIF25 also welcomes Blackhaine, an acclaimed artist known for blending music, movement, and poetry in immersive performances. His latest work, And Now I Know What Love Is, explores themes of identity, love, and belonging in a fractured society. With a striking blend of sound and visual art, this performance offers an intimate, thought-provoking experience that resonates with contemporary audiences.
And Now I Know What Love Is runs from July 9 to 19, 2025 at Diecast, offering a fresh and powerful perspective on Black identity through art and sound.
Juliet Ellis: A Symphony of Flesh and Bones
The festival will also feature A Symphony of Flesh and Bones, an immersive installation and film experience by Juliet Ellis. Juliet Ellis uses her work to explore the intimate relationship between the physical body and identity, delving into the complexities of race, gender, and bodily autonomy. This exhibition, which runs from July 10 to 13, delves into the complexities of race, gender, and bodily autonomy, highlighting themes of transformation and resilience. It will be presented as a hauntingly beautiful multimedia experience, merging cinema and art in a way that challenges our perceptions of the body.
FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE: Celebrating Pacific Identity
FALE SĀ / SACRED HOUSE is a groundbreaking exhibition that brings together digital art, traditional Pacific cultural practices, and powerful visual storytelling to celebrate Pacific identity and culture. This event celebrates the struggles and triumphs of Pacific peoples through art. With a focus on family, ancestry, and legacy, the exhibition will feature digital artworks that examine the political, environmental, and cultural issues that affect the Pacific community.
The event will be available for public viewing from July 4 to 20, 2025, and is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of Black and Pacific cultural histories. This immersive, multimedia experience celebrates the resilience of Pacific communities and their ongoing contributions to the global cultural landscape.
Football City, Art United: Art Meets Sport
In a unique collaboration, artists and footballers come together to create Football City, Art United, a series of 11 new works blending art and sport. Featuring installations, sculptures, and animations from the likes of Juan Mata, Ella Toone, and Edgar Davids, the exhibition explores the intersection of sports and visual art. The exhibition will be open from July 4 to August 24.
Festival Square: A Hub of Free Performances
Festival Square, located at Aviva Studios, will serve as a vibrant hub of free performances, food, and community engagement. This open-air space is designed to bring people together to celebrate creativity and unity, featuring live music, cultural performances, and activities from artists across the world.
Festival Square will be open from July 3 to 20, offering an inclusive and dynamic atmosphere for all festival-goers to enjoy.
The Manchester International Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Black culture and creativity, featuring powerful works that engage with identity, history, and the ongoing fight for equality. Whether you’re a theatre lover, an art enthusiast, or someone eager to engage with Black history, there’s something for everyone at this year’s festival.
For tickets and more information, visit the Manchester International Festival website and join the celebration of culture, art, and Black excellence.
Contact Information:
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Website: www.mif.co.uk
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Email: info@mif.co.uk
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Social Media: Twitter: @MIFestival | Instagram: @mifestival