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.
Bruno Rodriguez
Carla Alcántara (Karlu)
Hugo Alaimo
Marco Rollo
Sara Ros
Arnau Gracia
Gonçalo Salgado
Emilio Ivars
Laura López
Blanca San Román
Gemma Cano
Elena Rodilla Carrasco
Tinglado
Alberto Wych
Clare Lynch
Claudia Reig
Norman Chen
Leticia Souza
Evros Voskarides
Maria Blanch Studio
Ariadna Sala Studio
The event will take
place at OpenBCN Studios,
Carrer del Perill,
38 - 08012 Barcelona
Bruno Rodriguez
Carla Alcántara (Karlu)
Hugo Alaimo
Marco Rollo
Sara Ros
Arnau Gracia
Gonçalo Salgado
Emilio Ivars
Laura López
Blanca San Román
Gemma Cano
Elena Rodilla Carrasco
Tinglado
Alberto Wych
Clare Lynch
Claudia Reig
Norman Chen
Leticia Souza
Evros Voskarides
Maria Blanch Studio
Ariadna Sala Studio
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.
Kate Pritchard
Hajer Merza
Cal Cole
Fred Williamson
Annabel Holmes
Helen Musselwhite
Phoebe Tanner
Zeke Oy
Lucy Evans
Leonie Benn
Jessica Lee
Lew Pearce
Thomas Steeles
Elliott Howard
Rakhel Oji’
Ruby Bunnett
Annie Lohan
Dat Quang
Pete Mercer
Sophie Moran
Holly Staniforth
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.
Kate Pritchard
Hajer Merza
Cal Cole
Fred Williamson
Annabel Holmes
Helen Musselwhite
Phoebe Tanner
Zeke Oy
Lucy Evans
Leonie Benn
Jessica Lee
Lew Pearce
Thomas Steeles
Elliott Howard
Rakhel Oji’
Ruby Bunnett
Annie Lohan
Dat Quang
Pete Mercer
Sophie Moran
Holly Staniforth
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.
Rick Banks
Stan Chow
EDIT Brand Studio
Ellen Ling
Caroline Dowsett
David Bailey
Daren Newman
Craig Oldham
Only
Jane Bowyer
Mikesian Studio
Eve Warren
Sublime Limbo
Loz Ives
Neil Ramsbottom / eNaR
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
