Design Manchester is back, and this time it’s all about the Know How.
With a manifesto built on celebrating creativity, Design Manchester aims to promote collaboration and inclusivity across the worlds of art, design, illustration, film, animation and photography.
Now in its third year, the annual festival kicks off today with a whole host of exciting talks, workshops, screenings and exhibitions taking place across the city for the next 8 days. With all events themed around the concept “Know How”, here are some highlights to look out for...
First up is Unfinished Business, an exhibition of iconic imagery by renowned graphic artist Ian ‘Swifty’ Swift, marking his return to Manchester after nearly 30 years. As well as taking over three venues across the Northern Quarter, Swifty will be chatting about his ideas and maverick methods in the first of many festival talks.
Next stop: The Great Debate.
As the creative industries continue to boom, it’s no surprise that design often finds itself at the forefront of contemporary culture. If you’re interested in knowing how design in all its guises can contribute to the modern city, then take your seat for The Great Debate. Chaired by chief executive of the RSA Matthew Taylor, the panel will feature Sir Howard Bernstein (Manchester City Council), Lou Cordwell (Magnetic North) and John Mathers (Design Council) discussing everything from architecture to technology, media to fashion.
If listening to contemporary creatives talk design is your thing, then be sure to join inimitable Parisian illustrator Malika Favre, graphic design studio Hudson Powell and co-founder of Lemon Jelly and Airside Fred Deakin for Design Now, an evening of discussions and live Q&A.
Or catch the folk from IDEO and Territory Studio at Design How the following day. They’ll be joined by Ben Terrett (director of design at gov.uk) and Clive Grinyer (founder of design consultancy Tangerine).
Offering even more food for thought are several musically inclined events that celebrate the city’s melodious heritage. Music How brings together New Order’s Stephen Morris with Jon Drape and Luke Bainbridge in an evening of conversation about illustrious careers and creative triumphs.
And if that’s music to your ears, you might also want to check out Northern Soul, the BAFTA-nominated feature film by award-winning photographer Elaine Constantine. Starring Steve Coogan, Ricky Tomlinson and Lisa Stansfield, this vibrant portrayal of adolescent escapism and self-discovery is set against the backdrop of the Northern Soul scene of mid-seventies Lancashire.
Other film screenings at this year’s festival include Made You Look, a film about creativity in the digital age and the graphic arts scene in the UK. Followed by a filmmakers’ Q&A, Made You Look features some essential design talent in the shape of Anthony Burrill, Kate Moross, Helen Musselwhite, Pete Fowler and Jon Burgerman.
The festival draws to a close with the end of the Manchester Moleskine project. Aptly described as a collaborative group hug, Manchester Moleskine saw 52 local creatives contribute illustrations to a co-created A5 sketchbook, which might now be considered the “little black book” of the Manchester creative scene. Be sure to head down to the closing party at 2022, where the Manchester Moleskine crew will treat you to an evening of live illustration, free art giveaways and even a choir! See you there?
Design Manchester runs 14 – 21 October at venues across Manchester. You can find the full line up of events here: www.designmcr.com
