From the Reformation to Noddy - here’s our pick of Manchester’s best exhibitions over the next two months
NEW NORTH AND SOUTH | Citywide | Until June 2018
With everything from Rajasthani circus performers to hybrid species and Spider-Man, this three-year takeover connects organisations in South Asia with those in North England to showcase some of the region’s best contemporary art. More info here. Various; check the website
THE REFORMATION | John Rylands Library | 7 September - 4 March
It’s best known as Halloween but 31 October is also Reformation Day; thought to be the day German monk Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses to the door of a Wittenberg church in protest against Catholicism’s commercialisation of religion. Find out what happened next in this quincentenary exhibition. John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, M3 3EH (Mon-Sun 12-5pm, Tues-Sat 10am-5pm)
ANNIVERSARY | Saul Hay Gallery | 20 September - 12 November
October 2017 marks the first anniversary of the opening of Saul Hay Gallery and, to celebrate, they’ve invited 35 artists who have exhibited over the past year to showcase work of their choice: from Lisa Denyer’s bold abstracts to Omid Asadi’s delicate leaf cuttings.
Saul Hay Gallery, Railway Cottage, 33a Collier Street, Castlefield, M3 4LZ (Wed-Sat 10.30am-6pm; free)
GESTURED | Chetham’s Library | 16 October - 8 December
Brass Art presents ‘a constellation of artworks inspired by alchemy, transformation and symbolic gesture’ in this atmospheric exhibition: from scientific apparatus to white hands in secret spaces. Saturday 25 November sees a free family workshop surrounding the event (11-3pm) including shadow puppetry and a treasure hunt.
Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, M3 1SB (Mon-Fri 10am-3.30pm; free)
PUPPET MASTERS: COSGROVE HALL FILMS | Waterside Arts Centre | 21 October 2017 - 17 February 2018
Following a successful campaign to save the Cosgrove Hall archive (more here), Waterside Arts Centre is celebrating with a special exhibition and conference on the iconic Chorlton studio, creator of hits like Danger Mouse and Noddy. Expect to see puppets, props and a unique glimpse into the world of animation. Waterside Arts Centre, Sale M33 7ZF (various times; free).
VOICES OF REVOLUTION | Working Class Movement Library | 27 October - 18 January
The world changed in 1917. A century on from the Russian Revolution, this exhibition focuses on the voices of the women and men who witnessed events as they happened. Working Class Movement Library, 51 Crescent, Salford M5 4WX (various; free)
POLITICS OF PARADISE | Paradise Works | 4-5 November
To celebrate the launch of its ambitious new studio space and gallery, Paradise Works’ inaugural exhibition will showcase 25 resident artists, exploring historic and contemporary notions of ‘paradise.' Paradise Works, East Philip Street, M3 7LE (12am-5pm; free)
IN NOTHING FLAT | Old Granada Studios | 4-15 November
Marking the culmination of StudioBook, an artistic development programme from Mark Devereux Projects, In Nothing Flat presents twelve ambitious UK artists from across the UK, spanning painting to sculpture and performance - including Mandy Payne’s thought-provoking painting on the aftermath of Grenfell Tower. Old Granada Studios, Atherton Street, M3 3GS (Wed-Sat 12-4pm; free)
LIGHT | TOUCH | Artzu | 8-23 November
Combining seductive sculptural paintings and dazzling neon forms, ARTZU’s latest exhibition sees established resin artist Stephen Farley hook up with neon master Tony Spink, who has created fifteen bespoke pieces for the show. Artzu, Quay Street, M3 4PR (Wed-Fri 12-5pm, Sat 11-5pm; free)
HUMANSBEINGDIGITAL | The Lowry | 18 November - 25 February
Highlighting the emotional touch point between being human and being digital, this quirky exhibition features everything from Armageddon perfume to a bar in which visitors are scanned. Don’t look hipster enough? No entry. Talking of digital, don’t miss the headline Robots exhibition at MSIM - it’s a goodun. The Lowry, Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ (Sun-Fri 11am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm)
