Factory Creatives: Anton Phung

Factory Creatives is a new series where we head out into the city to find out more about the local creatives at the heart of our programme. We caught up with Anton Phung backstage at NIAMOS – a creative arts centre based in the old Playhouse Theatre in Hulme – before he returns to Aviva Studios for the grand finale of Groovanometry 2026.

Can you introduce yourself?

I’m Anton, also known as LB, and I’ve been breaking since 2003. I’m an artist, the director of Groovanometry, a lecturer and general of SMAC 19, a Sheffield based breaking crew. I’m now based in Manchester where I teach, build communities and run cultural events to develop the scene here.

What or who inspires you to do the work that you do?

My inspiration comes from travelling the world in my twenties, and competing at some of the highest-level events. I learned a lot, met new people and became part of something special. Groovanometry was created to bring that same energy and global standard back home to Manchester.

Why did you choose the location in your photograph?

NIAMOS has been the home of the breaking community in Manchester since around 2018 and is where we have built local connections. The community has allowed us to make a home for breaking and the arts here.

What’s your favourite thing about Manchester’s arts and culture scene?

Manchester is a city where people have the opportunity to define themselves and build an identity. We belong to a close-knit community that thrives with creative energy. The scene is very supportive, collaborative and always evolving.

What would you say to someone who has never been to Groovanometry?

Come along if you want to experience a grassroots community rooted in hip-hop culture that brings together positivity, dance, music and culture in one weekend. Groovanometry is a great annual event to be part of. It’s family-friendly and accessible to all backgrounds and ages.

Groovanometry 2026 takes over the Social on Sunday 17 May. Find out more and book tickets here.