MCRBCN
25 september
2025
Manchester
AND
Barcelona
MCRBCN is a new design exhibition uniting Manchester and Barcelona's creative communities. Born as an evolution of the successful BCNMCR event in the UK, this project brings together talent from both cities to explore cultural connections and fresh perspectives.
This year, Manchester becomes the first-ever English guest city at Barcelona's iconic La Mercè Festival, Catalonia's biggest cultural festival. This will create an unforgettable backdrop for the unique celebration of design and creativity from the two cities.
Norman Chen
Leticia Souza
Alberto Wych
Hugo Alaimo
Elena Rodilla Carrasco
Sara Ros
Laura López
Carla Alcántara (Karlu)
Gonçalo Salgado
Emilio Ivars
Bruno Rodriguez
Arnau Gracia
Maria Blanch Studio
Claudia Reig
Tinglado
Blanca San Román
Marco Rollo
Gemma Cano
Clare Lynch
Ariadna Sala Studio
Evros Voskarides
The event will take
place at OpenBCN Studios,
Carrer del Perill,
38 - 08012 Barcelona
Norman Chen
Leticia Souza
Alberto Wych
Hugo Alaimo
Elena Rodilla Carrasco
Sara Ros
Laura López
Carla Alcántara (Karlu)
Gonçalo Salgado
Emilio Ivars
Bruno Rodriguez
Arnau Gracia
Maria Blanch Studio
Claudia Reig
Tinglado
Blanca San Román
Marco Rollo
Gemma Cano
Clare Lynch
Ariadna Sala Studio
Evros Voskarides
At the heart of MCRBCN are 40 emerging designers. 20 selected from Manchester and 20 from Barcelona. Paired together to collaborate on special artwork for a series of large format cubes. Each side will become a vibrant visual love letter to the cities they call home.
Some will work individually, others together, but all share one goal: to showcase the creative energy between Manchester and Barcelona. It's a rare chance to see how new voices interpret culture, place and identity through design.
Annie Lohan
Dat Quang
Elliott Howard
Cal Cole
Lew Pearce
Annabel Holmes
Lucy Evans
Hajer Merza
Phoebe Tanner
Zeke Oy
Kate Pritchard
TBC
Sophie Moran
Ruby Bunnett
Thomas Steeles
Leonie Benn
Fred Williamson
Jessica Lee
Rakhel Oji’
Holly Staniforth
Pete Mercer
MCRBCN has been conceived and curated by StudioDBD, an independent design studio based in Manchester. StudioDBD previously founded and ran the original BCNMCR event in the UK, sparking the creative dialogue between the two cities that still continues today.
This new chapter in Barcelona is made possible with the support of Marketing Manchester.
The event is free and open to the public from 1–4pm on Thursday 25 September 2025. No tickets needed, just drop in.
A private launch will take place later that evening at 5:30pm. If you'd like to attend, please register your interest using the button below.
BCNMCR has always been about showcasing Barcelona design in Manchester. For the first time ever the concept will take place in Barcelona and be called MCRBCN.
Annie Lohan
Dat Quang
Elliott Howard
Cal Cole
Lew Pearce
Annabel Holmes
Lucy Evans
Hajer Merza
Phoebe Tanner
Zeke Oy
Kate Pritchard
TBC
Sophie Moran
Ruby Bunnett
Thomas Steeles
Leonie Benn
Fred Williamson
Jessica Lee
Rakhel Oji’
Holly Staniforth
Pete Mercer
Alongside the emerging designers, MCRBCN features a small selection of established creatives and leading design studios from Manchester, each commissioned to create a large-format hanging banner for the exhibition.
Caroline Dowsett
Only
Rick Banks
Neil Ramsbottom / eNaR
Craig Oldham
Ellen Ling
Eve Warren
Sublime Limbo
EDIT Brand Studio
Stan Chow
Jane Bowyer
Daren Newman
David Bailey
Loz Ives
Mikesian Studio
Their inclusion brings a wealth of experience, distinctive voices, and creative excellence to the event, providing inspiration and context for the next generation of talent.
These striking banners will hang throughout the exhibition space, showcasing diverse approaches to storytelling and design while highlighting the vibrant, world-class creativity that Manchester is known for. Their work stands as both a statement of artistic vision and a powerful symbol of the creative bridge connecting the two cities.
MCRBCN will take place at OpenBCN Studios which can be located here.
The event is free and open to the public from 1—4pm on Thursday 25 September 2024. No tickets or registration is required. Just drop in during these times to see the exhibition.
A private launch will take place later that evening at 5:30pm. If you'd like to attend, please register your interest using the button below.
This event would not be possible without the help of Marketing Manchester.
All event enquiries: events@marketingmanchester.com
Enquiries related to the creation of the event or the concept of Manchester and Barcelona: dave@studiodbd.com
With thanks also to the FAD Association of Graphic Design and Visual Communication
With thanks to GF Smith for their support
Designed and Conceived by Studio DBD
Web Development by Maria Nery
