Artist Takeovers

Do you have a creative idea you want to explore, experiment with and realise at scale?

54: Manchester's installation in the warehouse – showing a fabric walkway with a film projected on to it and an enclosed, collaged box with performers inside
Applications open ↓

Think Big!

Aviva Studios’ vast spaces are designed to provoke artists to think differently, push boundaries and explore what’s possible. They offer a backdrop for some of the most ambitious work being created today.

In October 2026, we’re handing over the keys to our North Warehouse for up to 5 days, inviting an artist or collective to take over the space to experiment, play and test ideas on an epic scale. This is an opportunity to explore something that may not have been possible elsewhere – whether that’s because of space, resources or support.

We welcome artists from any discipline based in the North of England with at least five years of professional practice. You can apply as an individual with a creative team or as a collective of artists.

Selected artists will receive budget to support development time, R&D and production costs. In the weeks leading up to the takeover, our specialist team of producers, engagement staff and technicians will work with you to develop and test your ideas in the space.

There is no pressure to create a public outcome, but you may choose to gather feedback from creative peers or critical friends during your experimentation. The priority is to support your creative development and to create space to play, experiment and imagine.

We particularly welcome applications from artists from underrepresented backgrounds. Access costs will be covered, and we will work with you to ensure the space and support meet your requirements.

There is an opportunity to come to a drop-in session on Tuesday 26 May at 4pm before applying. Please email our Artist Development Team at artist.development@factoryinternational.org for more details.

How we'll support

We will support you in the following ways:

  • Provide a dedicated Production Manager and support you in the run up to the Takeover to help realise your ideas.
  • A budget will be available to develop and produce your idea. This can cover artist fees and production costs. The Factory International team will support you to plan and manage your project budget. Additional access funding is available for disabled artists and collectives.
  • Provide access to the North Warehouse with a production team for the agreed period.
  • Provide critical feedback and advice from our Curatorial, Producing, Digital and Technical teams
  • Provide networking opportunities internally and externally
  • Co-ordinate a public sharing or targeted industry event

Key dates

Applications open: Tuesday 14 April

Applications close: Monday 1 June

Drop-in information session: Tuesday 26 May, 4pm

Interviews: Wednesday 24 June

Takeover week: Monday 15 – Friday 19 October 2026

How to apply

Please read the guidance notes and complete the online application here.

If you have any queries please contact the Artist Development team: artist.development@factoryinternational.org

You can also upload a film application (up to five minutes long).

Guidance notes
  • We are looking for artists who are either working individually or part of a collective/creative team, from any artform or interdisciplinary from the North of England.
  • Applicants must be over 18 years of age
  • You need to be able to demonstrate at five years’ professional experience and be making work that is ready to scale up
  • You need to be able to demonstrate that you or the artists you are working with are interested, or at a position in your career, to make work at large scale. The space will be the North Warehouse at Aviva Studios
  • There is no limit on the number of artists who can apply as a collective in one application.
  • You should have availability from August 2026 to develop your ideas ready for experimentation in the space.
  • You’ll need to be available for bi-weekly meetings with Producing and Artist Development and the wider Factory International team. You must have enough free time in the proceeding weeks to be able to fully plan and prepare for the Takeover, to make the most of this opportunity.
  • You will need to outline your idea and evidence how this opportunity will impact on your development
  • You will need to take part in our monitoring, evaluation and documentation processes. We will also help you create assets for the work you have developed.
  • We particularly encourage applications from artists who have not explored this work or experimentation in earlier iterations.
  • We particularly welcome applications from artists who are underrepresented in the sector. We are especially interested in hearing from disabled artists, artists from the global majority and female artists.
Apply now →

WATCH

Artist Takeover | 54: Manchester | Factory International

00:00:58

A group of people watching 54: Manchester's installation in the Warehouse.

Artist Takeover | Jennifer Jackson, Rosie Elnile and Craig McCorquodale | Factory International

00:01:48

A performer building the clay installation during the Artist Takeover 2024

Artist Takeover Alumni

Studio Tonto's installation in the South Warehouse – showing a group of people standing in silhouette, facing a brightly lit archway featuring colourful patterns, and a cosmic background featuring stars and a large bird.
Meet the different artists and collectives who have taken over the Warehouse to experiment at scale.
Find out more →

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