Aviva Studios, located in
Manchester, United Kingdom, is a world-class arts and culture venue that has rapidly become one of the most significant nightlife and creative spaces in the country. The building opened its doors to the public in 2023, after several years of planning and construction as part of the wider Factory International project. It stands on the site of the former
Granada Studios and is recognized for its striking contemporary architecture—thanks to the internationally acclaimed firm OMA and architect Ellen van Loon.
Aviva Studios was established to provide a permanent home to Factory International, the organization behind the renowned
Manchester International Festival (MIF). Not a traditional "nightclub" in the sense of a DJ-dominated dance venue, Aviva Studios functions as a flexible space for live music, visual arts, immersive events, and even nightlife experiences that challenge the boundaries between club culture, performance, and multimedia art installations. Its main warehouse space and adaptable auditorium can host large-scale events that attract both local
Manchester crowds and international visitors.
The significance of Aviva Studios in
Manchester's cultural landscape is immense; it has positioned the city as a global destination for innovative and interdisciplinary arts. The venue is intended not only to honor
Manchester’s rich musical and artistic history, but also to foster the next generation of creative talent. Since opening, it has been praised for its commitment to inclusivity, bold programming, and for reinvigorating the city’s post-pandemic nightlife scene.
Aviva Studios has not undergone changes in location, but the building itself has evolved with cutting-edge acoustic engineering and state-of-the-art staging technology to accommodate everything from concerts and club nights to operas, live art, and multimedia exhibitions. Notable artists and acts who have performed at Aviva Studios include internationally acclaimed musicians such as Max Richter,
Bonobo,
Björk, and Janelle
Monáe, as well as homegrown talent like
New Order and Arlo Parks. The venue has also played host to groundbreaking visual and performance artists including Yayoi Kusama and Es Devlin, in addition to showcasing collaborations between electronic artists, DJs, and cutting-edge theatre companies.
Aviva Studios continues to attract a diverse range of creative luminaries, cementing its status as a cultural linchpin not only for
Manchester, but for the entire UK and beyond.