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Arts Archive


The fun that got away: Staying creative this semester
2nd October 2022

The fun that got away: Staying creative this semester

One of Manchester’s main selling points is its influential arts scene, but sometimes it can be hard to stay engaged outside of our studies. Here’s a guide to the best cultural events coming up in the next few months.
Mexican Geniuses at Canada Water: Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera live on in London
21st July 2022

Mexican Geniuses at Canada Water: Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera live on in London

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy reviews Mexican Geniuses: A Frida & Diego Immersive Experience at Dock X, London
University launch British Pop Archive with unseen items from Joy Division’s Ian Curtis
17th April 2022

University launch British Pop Archive with unseen items from Joy Division’s Ian Curtis

Announcing the British Pop Archive at the university’s very own John Rylands Library. Including artefacts from Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, New Order, the Sex Pistols, and Granada Television.
Derek Jarman: PROTEST! Art and Activism collide at Manchester Art Gallery
5th March 2022

Derek Jarman: PROTEST! Art and Activism collide at Manchester Art Gallery

Sarah Taylor reviews Manchester Art Gallery’s retrospective exhibition on the life and works of prolific filmmaker, artist, and activist Derek Jarman.
Michelangelo in Manchester: Sistine Chapel comes to Trafford Palazzo
19th February 2022

Michelangelo in Manchester: Sistine Chapel comes to Trafford Palazzo

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy attends a press viewing of the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit at Trafford Palazzo
MACFEST, Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, comes back to Manchester this February
5th February 2022

MACFEST, Muslim Arts and Culture Festival, comes back to Manchester this February

Launching on the 5th of February, MACFEST 2022 offers over 75 events that showcase the Muslim culture, from debates to workshops and art exhibitions
Van Gogh Alive extends its Manchester run
22nd January 2022

Van Gogh Alive extends its Manchester run

The most-visited immersive, multi-sensory experience in the world has extended its Manchester run by over a month
Postman Pat: from Greendale to Greater Manchester
28th November 2021

Postman Pat: from Greendale to Greater Manchester

To mark 40 years of Postman Pat, some of the original sets and props are set to go on display for the first time in Greater Manchester
Damon Albarn works his magic at Manchester International Festival
17th July 2021

Damon Albarn works his magic at Manchester International Festival

The musical polymath Damon Albarn needs no introduction. The Britpop legend, master producer, world music connoisseur, and co-founder of the most successful virtual band of all time is never one to shy away from experimentation. For two consecutive July evenings (12th & 13th July), Albarn takes attendees of Manchester International Festival on a musical voyage […]
Preview: Hale Barns Carnival
6th July 2021

Preview: Hale Barns Carnival

Hale Barns Carnival returns with a full-scale show but a 50% capacity – headlined by Katrina and the Waves and Boney M

Get involved with Arts

Does it matter where museums and galleries get their money from?
7th June 2021

Does it matter where museums and galleries get their money from?

Probert Dean considers where to draw the line in the arts funding debate
Review: Imran Peretta’s ‘the destructors’
26th May 2021

Review: Imran Peretta’s ‘the destructors’

Sam Burt reviews a new film ‘reconsidering the figure of the alienated male youth’
Mancunian Visions: Nicola Ellis
20th May 2021

Mancunian Visions: Nicola Ellis

Nicola Ellis tells us why a steel factory is her ideal second studio
Turner Prize praises collectives using art for social change
14th May 2021

Turner Prize praises collectives using art for social change

Sam Burt finds out why individual artists are off this year’s Turner Prize menu
SICK! Festival: mapping the impact of lockdown on Manchester’s mental health
10th May 2021

SICK! Festival: mapping the impact of lockdown on Manchester’s mental health

The international arts festival shining a light on public health returns to Manchester
Art for the soul: 2Bmcr
4th May 2021

Art for the soul: 2Bmcr

‘How not to be bitter’ and other life lessons, courtesy of the Manchester illustrators 2Bmcr
Get thee to a gallery: Manchester’s top new exhibitions
29th April 2021

Get thee to a gallery: Manchester’s top new exhibitions

Alienor Bombarde casts an eager eye over the exciting in-person exhibitions set to open in May
Art Comes HOME: Joy Yamusangie’s ‘Blue Glass Fortunes’
26th April 2021

Art Comes HOME: Joy Yamusangie’s ‘Blue Glass Fortunes’

Part of ‘art goes online’, Sam Burt looks at the dreamlike paintings of Joy Yamusangie
The enduring West Art Collective venture into Eden with Inner City Recording
23rd April 2021

The enduring West Art Collective venture into Eden with Inner City Recording

What does Manchester’s West Collective see in the dilapidated, iconic Antwerp Mansion? Annie Dabb and Georgina Davidson find out
Why Derek Jarman matters
16th April 2021

Why Derek Jarman matters

We asked our arts and film editors to reflect on the world of the singular visionary, Derek Jarman