About Waste Age: What can design do?
Waste Age: What can design do? is a group exhibition focused on a new generation of designers who are rethinking our relationship to everyday things. From fashion to food, electronics to construction, even packaging - finding the lost value in our trash and imagining a future of clean materials and a circular economy could point the way out of the Waste Age.
The exhibition tells the story of the environmental crisis and marks MAC’s first collaboration with the Design Museum to highlight the current crisis and design’s role in the problem. It also explores how design can transform our waste into valuable resources, promote new ways of living with the Earth and not from it, and where there is no such thing as waste. Divided into three topics, this exhibition explores what lies beyond our current toxic waste infrastructures, exploring the environmental, social, and geopolitical forces at work.
Visitors will be immersed in the waste crisis before being shown the transformative potential of new design approaches that are redefining fashion, construction, food, electronics or packaging and the new materials that will help shape a cleaner future.
This is an exhibition that not only seeks to imagine alternative futures, but one that empowers the visitor to be part of the solution.
The exhibition will feature a new sculptural commission inspired by clothes waste markets in Nigeria by Birmingham-based artist Abdulrazaq Awofeso.
Waste Age is a touring exhibition by the Design Museum, London and curated by Gemma Curtin and Justin McGuirk. MAC is the only tour venue in the UK.
#EndTheWasteAge
Waste Age graphic by SPIN.
MAC would like to thank Eversheds Sutherland, headline sponsor of Waste Age.
MAC is grateful for a generous anonymous donation towards the exhibition. With thanks to Arts Council England and players of People's Postcode Lottery.
What is 'Pay what you choose'?
MAC is an independent charity, and your support enables us to bring innovative creative experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Proceeds from Waste Age tickets will support MAC’s Green Futures campaign, enabling free workshops and events that educate and empower children to explore environmental themes through creativity.
We have a range of price options for visitors of £6 (recommended) or £2, £4, £8 (+ £1.75 standard commission fee) per person. We are mindful that everyone is in a different situation; a free ticket option is also available.
If you are able to pay the recommended £6 ticket price, you will make a huge difference to us and the young people we connect with. Thank you so much for your support.
Group and school bookings
Group and school bookings are available daily from 11am - 5pm and include a guided tour by one of our friendly and knowledgeable team.
This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about innovative design that can transform waste into valuable resources. Now more than ever, young people want to feel educated and empowered in the face of the climate crisis. We hope you can join us for this impactful exhibition.
To make a group or school booking, please contact our friendly Sales and Events team on 0121 446 3232, [email protected] or in-person at our Welcome Desk.
Please book your date and time slot using the weekly calendar below and Pay what you choose.
Your e-ticket(s) will be scanned when you reach our First Floor Gallery.
