The Manchester International Festival was established in 2007 and this year marks its fourth edition. Counter to most biennials MIF does not offer a singular curatorial perspective, but rather an eclectic program of new international commissions in the visual arts, theater and music. Previous years have seen pivotal commissions from figures as diverse as Gustav Metzger, Damon Albarn and Marina Abramović among many others. This year’s festival brings a similarly eclectic selection of new work from international artists. Highlights include a collaboration between one of the UK’s most restless pop musicians, Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja, and a consistently experimental documentary filmmaker, Adam Curtis, to “redefine the notion of the gig.” Hans Ulrich Obrist will return to Manchester (after co-curating “Il Tempo del Postino” in 2007) to co-curate his ongoing “Do It” project alongside Christian Boltanski and Bertrand Lavier. Other highlights include This Variation, the UK premiere of Tino Sehgal’s much-acclaimed Documenta project from last year. The XX (the soundtrack to every arty party) will be in residence playing in a specially designed 60-capacity room—a perfect setting for their economic and intimate music. Manchester International Festival will be held this summer between the 4th and 21st of July. (George Vasey)