A new wave of Northern creative talent is set to take centre stage in Manchester this month, as adidas Originals and Factory International unveil the results of their groundbreaking six-month development programme for emerging artists.
The first-ever Originals Creator Network (OCN) North cohort has reached its finale, with 20 young creatives from across Manchester and the wider North showcasing their work in a new exhibition, Running In Motion, at Aviva Studios – the home of Factory International.
Launched in 2024, OCN North was created to offer real-world opportunities to emerging talent without requiring them to relocate from the region. Based out of Aviva Studios, the programme offers mentorship, industry-led masterclasses, and hands-on project experience with adidas, Factory International, and GUAP – the youth-led creative platform.
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Since September, the 20-strong cohort has explored Manchester’s unique relationship with movement and speed, responding to a creative brief inspired by the city’s vibrant running culture. The result is Running In Motion – a bold exhibition featuring four original concepts: PULSE, Do Not Go Gentle, Unsung Heroes, and Three Stories, Three Stripes.
Each piece tells a distinct story through audio-visual installations, interactive storytelling, and cutting-edge design – from the pulse of Manchester’s nightlife to the unspoken grit of its unsung runners.
“Manchester has always been a city that moves fast, and this cohort has captured that spirit,” said Scott McVittie, Executive Commercial Director at Factory International. “The work they’ve created doesn’t just reflect where we are now, but where the creative industries are heading – diverse, dynamic, and driven by new voices.
“We know that arts and culture can have a profound impact on people’s lives, careers, and wider society. The future of our sector depends on giving emerging talent real opportunities to experiment, collaborate, and be seen, and that’s exactly what OCN North has done.”
Running In Motion opens to the public on the evening of April 25 and will run throughout April 26 in The Social – a flexible creative space inside Aviva Studios. Visitors can expect an immersive experience that blends art, culture, and community.
The OCN North programme is set to return annually, offering mentorship, bursaries, and industry opportunities to the next generation of Northern creatives. More details are available on the Factory International website.
