Ai Weiwei on freedom, responsibility and creating art | Dream Space | Factory International

In this special episode of Dream Space, renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei dreams of a world built on fairness and justice.

Guided by guest host and Factory International Chief Executive John McGrath, Ai Weiwei talks about freedom of speech, the responsibility of artists to speak up and how China has changed since his youth.

Flipping the Dream Space script, Ai describes revisiting his nightmare space in Sewing a Button – a 24-hour live re-enactment of his secret detention in China. Ai reflects on the relationship between dreams and reality, recalling his lively, brightly-coloured dreams during detention.

Ai Weiwei is known around the world for his uncompromising artistic vision and political activism. From a childhood in exile to surviving secret detention in China, his remarkable life and career have led him to global prominence. In Button Up!, a major new exhibition at Aviva Studios, Ai turns his critical gaze to the last 200 years of history, power and empire.

Dream Space will return soon with Season 4 hosted by Gemma Cairney.

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About the Series

What does art have the power or potential to do, when we allow ourselves to dream?

Gemma Cairney poses this questions to some of the world’s most exciting artistic minds in a new podcast from Factory International.

In each episode we get to know our guest, find out what makes them tick, what brings them joy and inspiration. Together we create a new vision, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and ask what kind of art the world needs now.

Contributors

Gemma Cairney (she/her)
Host
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Gemma Cairney is a multi award-winning broadcaster, author and activist. Gemma’s documentary radio series include The Leisure Society for BBC 6 Music and The Sound Odyssey for BBC Radio 4. Previous radio credits include: Island Sounds, Dolly, Dylan or Daft Punk, and Mali Music (BBC 6 Music). Tempted By Teacher and Bruising Silence (BBC Radio 1) garnered two Sony Golds and her interview with Grace Jones, Amazing Grace, (BBC 6 Music) won the Best Music Show Rose d’Or. Her latest book, The Immortal Sisterhood, will soon be published by Canongate.
Olivia Swift (She/Her)
Executive Producer
Olivia is an award-winning audio producer, based in Manchester. Specialising in music radio and arts programming, she has launched successful strands for BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio 3 and BBC Sounds, as well as arts features for BBC Radio 4. She has launched podcasts for a number of brands including the National Heritage Fund, BBC Bitesize, Audio Technica, and Ashgate Hospice. As an Exec Producer at Reform Radio (a non-profit outreach organisation using creativity to engage young people), Olivia also facilitates creative workshops and projects.
Mike Dunbar (He/Him)
Producer
Mike is an Audio Editor, Sound Designer & Mix Engineer working as a Producer at Reform Radio.
Scott Simoniti (He/Him)
Head of Audiences
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Scott is Head of Audiences at Factory International, leading the audiences strategy across Aviva Studios, Factory International and MIF. He oversees marketing and audience development, digital content, publications and product development, and is part of the organisation’s Curatorial team.
Edward Harding (He/Him)
Digital Content Producer
Edward is the Digital Content Producer at Factory International and a filmmaker specialising in story-led content across live events, culture, and digital platforms.
Andrew PM Hunt (he/him)
Composer
Andrew PM Hunt is a musician and composer based in Liverpool.
Suki Quasimodo (She/Her)
Composer
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Suki Quasimodo is a London-based experimental electronic artist and live performer blending ambient electronics, sub-bass meditation and restrained spoken word into immersive, bass-led live sets. Her performances move between club physicality and cinematic introspection, creating intimate, emotionally charged environments designed for deep listening.
Carmel Smickersgill (she/her)
Composer
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Carmel is a Manchester based composer working predominantly within electronic DIY, classical and theatre music. She released her debut EP We Get What We Get and We Don’t Get Upset in 2022 with PRAH recordings. She was a 2021 recipient of the Jerwood Live Art Award, a 2020 nominee for the Ivor Novello Rising Star Award and a 2019 recipient of the Rushworth Composing Prize with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.