The National Festival of Making is a unique celebration of UK making, from the factory floor to the kitchen table. Presenting a programme of work that combines Art, Manufacturing, Making and Communities – commissioning international and national artists to create world class works and participatory festival events that engage local audiences and increase culture seeking visitors to Blackburn and Lancashire.
Taking place over two festival days, with long term projects running throughout the year, the National Festival of Making takes over the streets of Blackburn with artist commissions, creative workshops, theatre, dance, music, digital & media technologies, STEAM, markets, food, performance, tours, talks and above all, an eclectic mix of making experiences for everyone to enjoy.
The Festival’s headline commissioning project, Art in Manufacturing – a co-commission between NFM and Super Slow Way, sees artists placed in residence in major manufacturers across Lancashire. Here they collaborate with workforces to make incredible new works from soundscapes to sculptures, presented at the Festival weekend.
Our inclusive and multi-generational programme provides significant opportunities for participation and attracts diverse audiences – welcoming more than 40,000 visitors in 2018.
