Aviva Studios, Factory International‘s new cultural destination, has opened in Manchester with an immersive performance based on The Matrix.
Designed by OMA, the £240 million Aviva Studios is the UK’s largest investment in a national cultural project since Tate Modern opened in 2000.
The 13,350-square-metre space for arts, music and culture is located in the city’s new St John’s neighbourhood. It houses large, open and flexible spaces that can be reconfigured.
John McGrath, artistic director and chief executive of Factory International, said: “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.”
The opening production, Free Your Mind, is a reimagining of 1999 sci-fi film The Matrix directed by Danny Boyle in collaboration with artist and designer Es Devlin, choreographer Kenrick Sandy, composer Mikey J and writer Sabrina Mahfouz.
“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,” McGrath added.
Operated by Factory International, the organisation behind the Manchester International Festival, Aviva Studios will host a year-round programme of original productions and special events, from major exhibitions to immersive experiences.
£240m cultural destination
Aviva Studios is predicted to add £1.1 billion to the Manchester economy and the surrounding region over the next decade, also creating or supporting up to 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.
Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Today is a landmark moment for culture not just in Manchester but the North of England and indeed the UK as a whole.
“This internationally-important venue, extraordinary in its scale and ambition, will open up a world of possibilities for people in this city – inspiring creativity and nurturing careers in the arts.
“As a major new visitor destination, Aviva Studios will also create and support a great many jobs and add to the vibrancy which makes Manchester such an exciting city.”
Images courtesy of OMA and Factory International
