National Festival of Making unveils 2025 Art in Manufacturing commissions

When internationally renowned artists venture into the world of machinery, industrial dyes, and production lines, the result is a vibrant collision of creativity and craftsmanship at the National Festival of Making in Blackburn. The festival’s Art in Manufacturing program has announced three new major residencies for 2025. Matter at Hand, Morag Myerscough, and Liaqat Rasul will be the headline artists embedding themselves in leading UK manufacturers in Lancashire to create innovative works celebrating the region’s heritage of craftsmanship. The festival, held annually in Blackburn, attracts thousands with performances, exhibitions, talks, and installations. The Art in Manufacturing initiative pairs artists with factories to produce original works, showcasing the creativity within industrial settings. The artists experiment with materials and scale, pushing boundaries to create unique pieces that reflect the region’s legacy of making. This year’s projects include clay installations, sustainable materials, community workshops, and sculptural mobiles, highlighting the fusion of art and manufacturing. The festival aims to blur the lines between art and industry, providing a platform for innovation and collaboration. A new publication, Radical Pairings, will be launched at this year’s festival, exploring the impact of these creative partnerships. The Art in Manufacturing 2025 projects will premiere at the National Festival of Making in July, offering a glimpse into the exciting world where art and industry intersect.