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Exploring Manchester's Vibrant Summer Art Scene: Must-See Exhibitions

Exploring Manchester's Vibrant Summer Art Scene: Must-See Exhibitions

As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, Manchester comes alive with a bustling arts scene that promises to delight locals and visitors alike. From contemporary galleries to historic museums, the city is set to host a diverse array of summer art exhibitions that showcase the best of local and international talent. Let's take a sneak peek at some of the most anticipated exhibitions that are sure to captivate art lovers in Manchester this summer.

"Uncertain Futures"

Location: Manchester Art Gallery
Dates: March 8, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Uncertain Futures is a project that seeks to address the inequalities facing Manchester women over 50 relating to work and worklessness. We want to understand how interconnected issues of gender, age, labour, class, migration status, disability and race impact women’s paid and unpaid work.

"John Lyons: Carnivalesque"

Location: The Whitworth
Dates: 10 May – 25 August

Visitors are immersed in Lyons' rich tapestry of visual and literary expression, experiencing the seamless interplay between his evocative poetry and captivating artwork. Moreover, the exhibition delves into Lyons' significant impact on art education and the broader arts landscape in Manchester, West Yorkshire, and beyond, underscoring his enduring influence. With its spirited celebration of Lyons' artistic legacy, the Carnivalesque exhibition serves as a poignant testament to his indelible mark on British art and literature.

"The Right to a Creative Life"

Location: HOME
Dates: Wed 8 May - Sun 16 Jun

This series of artwork posters were created by a local collective of young artists as part of The Future is Ours festival and campaign. The Future is Ours celebrates young people’s creativity, voice and action and features original artworks by over 130 young people shared online and on billboards and street posters across Manchester.

"40 Years of the Future"

Location: Castlefield Gallery
Dates: Sun 24 March – Sun 23 June

Featuring groundbreaking meta-media ‘spatial paintings’, delicate yet sweeping multi-disciplinary cultural meditations and even a selection of original paintings displayed as part of the gallery’s inaugural 1984 programme, 40 Years of the Future offers a curation of uniquely provocative artwork produced by a cohort of acclaimed creative titans and exciting emerging talent..

"Stanley Chow Presents a Random Selection of His Illustrations Featuring People From Film, Stage and TV"

Location: The Edge
Dates: Wed 14 Feb - Thu 30 May 

Whether it’s homegrown heroes like Marcus Rashford and Maxine Peake or musical icons like Bowie, Prince and Debbie Harry, his stunning, unmistakable illustrations have immortalised all kinds of familiar faces, many of which will be showcased in his upcoming exhibition at The Edge

Conclusion: A Summer of Artistic Discovery

With its vibrant cultural scene and diverse array of exhibitions, Manchester promises to be a hotspot for art lovers this summer. Whether you're drawn to contemporary works or classic masterpieces, there's something for everyone to discover in the city's galleries and museums. So grab your sunscreen, put on your walking shoes, and prepare to embark on a journey of artistic exploration that will inspire, enlighten, and delight all summer long!