The footballer turned curator Juan Mata makes a star turn at Manchester International Festival, which opens in the city's new Factory International venue

You, Me and the Balloons exhibition dazzles with giant dolls, tendrilled landscapes and comfy furniture

More than 200,000 pieces will be hidden in the nooks and crannies of the city

This summer's edition will also feature Yayoi Kusama’s monumental inflatables at Factory International's new building

As the biennial event opens in northern English city, we pick the best art and shows on view

We speak to the Ghanaian artist as he unveils a major new commission at the Whitworth as part of the Manchester International Festival. Plus, we find out about the Picasso blockbuster at UCCA in Beijing. Produced in association with Bonhams, auctioneers since 1793.

City council will cover extra £20m costs for the Rem-Koolhaas designed venue