Art in Manufacturing is the headline commissioning programme of the National Festival of Making, pairing artists with some of the UK’s leading manufacturers.

Conceived as a unique platform for artists to develop their practice and an opportunity to create a meaningful dialogue between artists and the industrial workforce, the commissioning programme explores the social and cultural fabric of place. To date, Art in Manufacturing has commissioned 26 artists to create exceptional artworks, made in dialogue and collaboration with workforce communities.

Season 5 of Art in Manufacturing welcomes five new artists into the residency programme working across installation, sculpture, performance and textiles. From magical chocolate box histories to sensory playscapes and community collaborations, intriguing theatre and public art, the unique residency programme results in contemporary artworks that will be exhibited at the National Festival of Making on 8th & 9th July 2023.

Residencies include:

Sam Belinfante + Panaz

Ibukun Baldwin + Cookson and Clegg – A Co-Commission Between National Festival of Making and British Textile Biennial

Stephanie Jefferies & Sarah Marsh + Herbert Parkinson, a John Lewis and Partners Textile Factory

Sapien Studio AKA Steve Anwar + SWS UK

Illuminos + Cardboard Box Company

Artist Talks