I am Designer, and Artist

The city of Manchester holds a vibrant history, resulting in a huge treasure trove of museums and exceptional architecture. Today historic exhibitions throughout the city are balanced with contemporary commissions, mixing industry with creativity. Manchester has always been a popular destination for art and culture. The largest exhibition ever held in the UK came here in 1857, called the Art Treasures of Great Britain. Many artists have lived and worked here including the French Impressionist painter Adolphe Valette, the Irish sculptor John Cassidy and the Stretford-born painter L. S. Lowry. The city is also renown for its thriving theatre and dance scene including venues such as The Royal Exchange and the Manchester Opera House.

1. Artzu Gallery
The Artzu Gallery supports established and emerging artists working in painting, sculpture and photography. It is situated at the heart of Spinningfields, Manchester’s financial district, and overlooks the greenery of Hardman Square. It has been known to be the most progressive independent gallery space in Manchester for more than a decade, encouraging local talent and

2. Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is a publicly owned art gallery located in Mosley Street. First opened in 1824, today it occupies three buildings, the oldest of which, designed by Sir Charles Barry, is Grade I listed and was originally home to the Royal Manchester Institution. The gallery houses the civic art collection which includes works of local and international significance, including work by local artists such as Impressionist painter Wynford Dewhurst. The gallery offers a mixed programme of contemporary, historic, fine and decorative art, costume and photography exhibitions, and welcomes proposals from artists, curators and members of the public.

3. The Lowry
Located in Salford Quays in Greater Manchester, The Lowry showcases a variety of visual and performing arts, with two main theatres and studio space for performing arts. It runs a programme of special exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, photography and design, and the work of L. S. Lowry in its gallery spaces. The impressive building was completed in 2000 and was designed by the architect Michael Wilford.

4. Cornerhouse
The Cornerhouse was founded by the Greater Manchester Visual Arts Trust, chaired by Sir Bob Scott, and opened in 1985. It is Manchester’s international centre for contemporary visual arts and independent film, housing three floors of art galleries. It has three screens showing the best of independent film and also operates an international distribution service for contemporary visual arts books and catalogues. Its aim is to showcase the best in contemporary theatre, visual art and film, while also supporting learning and participation, creative industries and digital innovation.

5. Whitworth Art Gallery
Whitworth Art Gallery has been part of the University of Manchester since 1889 and holds both historic and contemporary collections. It displays modern art and sculpture, including works by Epstein, Hepworth, van Gogh and Picasso. It acts as a contemporary collecting institution, collecting works by emerging as well as internationally renowned artists, and was also the first gallery in the UK to make its collection available online. The gallery became noted for its championing of British contemporary art, staging David Hockney's first British show in 1969.