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.

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy reviews Mexican Geniuses: A Frida & Diego Immersive Experience at Dock X, London

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.

Sarah Taylor reviews Manchester Art Gallery’s retrospective exhibition on the life and works of prolific filmmaker, artist, and activist Derek Jarman.

Theatre Editor Jay Darcy attends a press viewing of the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit at Trafford Palazzo

Launching on the 5th of February, MACFEST 2022 offers over 75 events that showcase the Muslim culture, from debates to workshops and art exhibitions

The most-visited immersive, multi-sensory experience in the world has extended its Manchester run by over a month

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

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 […]

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

Probert Dean considers where to draw the line in the arts funding debate

Sam Burt reviews a new film ‘reconsidering the figure of the alienated male youth’

Nicola Ellis tells us why a steel factory is her ideal second studio

Sam Burt finds out why individual artists are off this year’s Turner Prize menu

The international arts festival shining a light on public health returns to Manchester

‘How not to be bitter’ and other life lessons, courtesy of the Manchester illustrators 2Bmcr

Alienor Bombarde casts an eager eye over the exciting in-person exhibitions set to open in May

Part of ‘art goes online’, Sam Burt looks at the dreamlike paintings of Joy Yamusangie

What does Manchester’s West Collective see in the dilapidated, iconic Antwerp Mansion? Annie Dabb and Georgina Davidson find out

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