As one of the UK’s biggest creative hubs, Manchester has been home to many of the country’s finest artists, writers and film-makers.
Building on this success our buzzing metropolis is proving to be the place for all artistic minds this September.
MM has compiled a list of the top five events worth catching this season that, in-keeping with the idea of impoverished artistes, won’t burn too deep a hole in your pocket.
5. The Chinese Arts Centre: Wu Chi-Tsung’s Recalibrate
The first UK solo show of Taiwanese artist Wu Chi-Tsung will be hosted at the Chinese Arts Centre this autumn.
A collection of cyanotypes (cyan blue photographic prints) from the series Wrinkled Textures and a newly-commissioned installation, Crystal City 00, will form the basis of the exhibition.
The main event will run from August 30 – October 12 and for any budding photo artists out there the centre also offers a cyanotype master class with Redeye Photography Network and Wu Chi-Tsung on August 31.
The exhibition promises to offer a unique insight and perspective into the artists’ work and wider perspectives and trends of contemporary Chinese arts practice.
For any arts fan, a trip to the Northern Quarter his autumn is well worth the effort.
For more information and free tickets, click here.
4. 2022NQ: Art Battle Manchester
Those artists who like to disappear into the back and beyond with a blank canvas, paints and the quiet and serenity to feel inspiration should definitely not attend 2022NQ’s art battle next month.
Some of the city’s most talented artists have been challenged to create a stunning work of art in just 30 minutes in front of a live audience of 200 spectators. Phew.
The audience will vote for their favourite piece after each round to decide which artist should progress to the final.
All artwork produced will be auctioned off at the end of the night to raise money for a local charity.
This event will take place at 2022NQ on Thursday September 12 – definitely one for art lovers with a competitive streak.
Click here to find out more about the event.
3. Buy Art Fair
For those who like a more refined art experience Buy Art Fair may be just the trick. Doing exactly what it says on the tin the fair is the only place in the North to buy original art and limited editions for the 7000 people who flock there every year.
Launched back in 2008, Buy Art Fair is a three-day fair with gives visitors the opportunity to check out free guided tours of the galleries, meet the artists themselves and fun activities for the young and young at heart.
The fair returns to Spinningfields, Manchester on September 26-29 and has the backing of Manchester City Council and Arts Council England.
With only original art work and limited editions for sale and more than 70 galleries representing 500 artists and prices from £50-£5000+, there’s a piece of art suited to everyone’s price bracket.
To register for a free ticket, click here.
2. The Cornerhouse: 24-hour noir-athon
The Cornerhouse’s My Noir film season launches with a 24-hour noir-athon on Saturday September 14.
Specially-selected noirs will be screened back-to-back all day and night with guest speakers sharing their favourite noirs throughout the event.
Featuring some of the classiest noir films, including Double Indemnity, Stray Dog and The Big Sleep this noir-athon is a one-time opportunity for all avid film goers.
For more information and tickets, click here.
1. Manchester Literature Festival
The Manchester Literature Festival (MLF) provides unique, imaginative and one-off opportunities for audiences to experience high quality live literature from the comforts of their home city.
The MLF returns October 7 – 20 with the likes of Jo Nesbø, Helen Fielding and Malorie Blackman, as well as Manchester’s very own Jeanette Winterson.
From a Poetry & Medicine workshop, to rising graphic novel authors or live jazz from the roaring 20s, the MLF returns this year stronger than ever.
With countless unmissable opportunities to meet writers and delve into workshops, the Manchester Literature Festival just had to be MM’s top choice for arts events this season.
For more information, click here.
And for all you arts buffs out there, keep an eye on MM as there will be plenty of news, features and interviews with artists exhibiting at the Buy Art Fair.
Image courtesy of the BBC via YouTube, with thanks
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