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