Factory International has unveiled UTOPIA by Trackie McLeod – an art installation in the form of a working pub inside the iconic Warehouse space of Aviva Studios, that transforms across three days into an expansive day and night programme of live events and takeovers that celebrate the grassroots talent of the city.
The Young Curators, aged 30 and under, have spent the past year working with leading industry professionals and artists to create a large-scale installation, the culmination of which will be a takeover from artist Trackie McLeod in UTOPIA (19-21 February).
The unique new installation is a loving nod to the working men’s clubs McLeod grew up in in Glasgow – playfully exploring identity, class, and gentrification by building a working, flat-roof pub inside Factory International’s iconic Warehouse space.
By day, UTOPIA is open as a pub, exhibition and workshop space – complete with the opportunity to explore new prints, sculpture, video and found-object work by Trackie McLeod.
Audiences can also drop by for a free drink during Trackie’s Happy Hour each afternoon, while the artist himself works a shift behind the bar.
Come sundown, the pub transforms into an intimate venue which celebrates the grassroots talent of the city through a programme of free events selected by the Young Curators – featuring drag queen Bailey J Mills, round-table discussions with Rebecca Swarray aka DJ Mix-Stress, Dave Haslam and rebecca elizabeth shaw, a DJ set by Rainy Miller, plus live rap from mamba.exe, spoken word from sonic storyteller Sharari, and a Saturday night takeover by iconic queer venue The DBA.
The Young Curators programme launched in 2024 as an opportunity for six young Manchester creatives to explore curation and encourage younger audiences.
The Young Curators for 2025-26 are - Anita Ezeh, Fauziya Johnson, Jack Clarke, Madison Marcantonatos, Otega Ajuchi, and Rachel Morgan.
Artist Trackie McLeod says: “I’m honoured to have been selected by the Young Curators to exhibit at Factory International. It’s an amazing opportunity, and Manchester and its people have always held a special place in my heart.
I often say you can tell how friendly a city is by how you’re treated in a smoking area and in Manchester, like in Glasgow, someone will always offer you a lighter.”
The installation reflects on the loss of community spaces in Glasgow and Manchester due to gentrification and changing city life. UTOPIA aims to reintroduce a sense of togetherness at a time when much of our community exists online. It’s conceived as an inclusive, safe, multi-purpose space for everyone. Through this work, with the help of the Young Curators I want to celebrate grassroots spaces and emerging talent. I hope the audience can use the space as a community hub for music, art, workshops, talks and of course a cheap pint.”
Young Curator Jack Clarke adds: “Trackie’s a kindred spirit, he doesn’t just get the vibe, he is the vibe. There’s a rebellious tenderness to his work that I’ve always gravitated toward, something that speaks to the mess and the joy and the stubborn resilience of nightlife, especially when it’s disappearing in real time. Working with him is like throwing a spark into a room full of kindling, you don’t know exactly what’s gonna catch, but you know it’s going to burn bright.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International says: “The Young Curators project is a truly exciting and radical part of Factory International’s artistic programme – handing decision-making over to a talented group of young creatives.
UTOPIA builds on the successes of our previous public curation programmes and develops our commitment to thinking about artistic venues in new ways.
We are particularly thrilled that this project results in a commission from such a significant up-and-coming talent as Trackie.”
