Through our Confluence residencies, we have been exploring Bristol as a changing, transient place. As part of this, we’ve been thinking a lot about the differences between ephemerality and permanence – how these differences are felt and where the tensions sit.

We’ve invited our I Like It. What is It? artists to share a glimpse into what’s been emerging. Starting off with sisters Malaika and Handina.

We’re taking a moment to reflect on some of the incredible projects we’ve produced over the past 14 years. 

From a forest of Christmas trees on the harbourside in Bristol, to 25 young dancers taking the National Theatre by storm, and a continuous 24-day live sound performance in a bombed-out church, we’ve always aimed to create unforgettable experiences that linger in the hearts and minds of those who experience them.

We are thrilled to be announcing the names of four more incredible artists collaborating with us for Confluence. Dhaqan Collective, Howl Yuan, Iman Sultan West and Ramelle Williams will each contribute creative responses to the project in the form of photography, film, dance, poetry and more. 

Looking back on 2024, it’s impossible not to feel a mix of pride and gratitude for everything this year has brought us at MAYK. From joyful, celebratory moments to challenges that pushed us to grow and change, it’s been a year full of creativity, connection and learning.

This week, we’re bringing it home to Bristol. For a while, our slogan for Mayfest was ‘This City Is Our Stage’, and we always meant that in the broadest sense – ‘ours’ as in ‘all of ours’ – a city rich in creativity and with a restless, radical spirit that runs through the work of the many artists and companies that call Bristol home.

For this blogpost, we spoke to Esther May Campbell, founder of Kitchen Table Photo Club and lead artist on MAYK’s upcoming live art and photo show 378,432,000,000 Seconds Of Exposure.

Raquel shares insights and reflection on A Crash Course in Cloudpostting’s WDR Radio Play as well as her residency in Shanghai. This blogpost includes writings from two resters Alex Wynne Schmiedel and Min Shen.

Last month, MAYK took a Reading Week – a dedicated break from the usual grind, allowing our team to step back, explore new ideas, and recharge our creative energies.