CONNECTING SPACES

CONNECTING SPACES with AWOL Studios
12th April – 23rd August

CONNECTING SPACES is an exhibition in collaboration with AWOL Studios, our creative neighbours in the heart of Ancoats. Housed in the stunning Grade II* listed Hope Mill, built in 1824, AWOL Studios provides space for creatives to thrive. We asked AWOL Studios artists to respond to the theme CONNECTING SPACES and selected work which demonstrated the importance of location, local relationships and the environment.

Manchester’s creative spaces are more than just buildings—they’re communities. Whether it’s the echoes of our industrial past in the architecture or the shared spirit of the artists within them, we believe in supporting each other and championing local creativity. This exhibition is a celebration of that shared heritage and the artists who make this city so special.

A huge thank you to Greater Manchester’s young people’s mental health charity, 42nd Street, for supporting the selection process.

We are delighted to introduce the 11 selected artists;
James Bloomfield
Anastasia Borodina
Sharon Campbell
Jason Carr
Gherdai Hassell
Sara Hindhaugh
Sam Owen Hull
Georgia Noble
Akinyemi Oludele
Sandra Robinson
Jude Wainwright

The importance of supporting each other and championing Manchester City Centre’s creative spaces is critical. Whether it is similarities in our architecture or the mindset of the community. Together, we hope to celebrate the area’s rich heritage and recognise the artists who make this space so special.

EXHIBITION DETAILS
CONNECTING SPACES opens on 12th April – 23rd August 2025
Free entrance
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5.30pm
2nd Sunday of the Month, 11am – 5pm

ACCESS
We welcome Guide and Support dogs and kindly ask that all dogs are kept on leads.
The exhibition space is currently raised and not directly accessible for wheelchair or mobility aid users. However, the open layout allows the exhibition to be viewed comfortably from a distance.
The exhibition will include Easier Read and Dyslexia-friendly interpretations, with plans to expand accessibility features after it opens to the public.

Select pieces will be available for purchase. Items can be collected after the exhibition.
Please email [email protected], call 0161 832 4274, or pop into the office on the first floor.