Pop into Manchester Central Library’s Oculus Space and explore our Voices of the City exhibition, a powerful and welcoming exhibition celebrating identity, belonging and community.
In 2023, CAN ran a 12-week-long project that brought together young people and adults from the city’s diverse communities to share their stories of Manchester. Working with drama facilitator and physical theatre director, Julia Wilson of SmallActs theatre company, using costumes kindly loaned by Hope Mill Theatre, the group created exciting movement and bold characters to tell their stories.
Their journey was captured in striking photographs by Shirlaine Forrest, who has photographed world-famous solo artists and bands, including Stormzy, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Elbow.
We interviewed Shirlaine to find out more about her career, her work with CAN over the years and the exhibition.
The exhibition was curated by CAN Young Artists: Celine, aged 18, Nour, aged 21, Aida, aged 26, and Omnya aged 22.
The result is a unique, multi-generational exhibition full of energy, imagination and real voices from Manchester.
“The young people involved in the planning and curation of the exhibition have grown so much over the years with CAN Young Artists. They could easily be the next generation of creative producers in the city, if we support and teach them well.”
Michelle Udogu, Creative Producer
Expect powerful photos, real stories, and a chance to see the city (and its communities) in a fresh new light.
Whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole afternoon to wander, come and take a look.
You might recognise a face, a street, or even a bit of yourself.
Bring your curiosity, bring your family, bring your friends or just yourself.
Free launch event
Join us on Wednesday 8 April, 1 – 3.30pm for an informal launch with live music. Enjoy music from Emma Marsh and Mara de Cruz. Denys Dukianets, a young Ukrainian, who features in the exhibition, will play piano
Stay for a relaxed Q&A – 2–3.30pm – in the first floor Henry Watson Music Library with the young participants, creative producer Michelle Udogu and photographer Shirlaine Forrest.
Everyone is welcome.
Venue
Manchester Central Library’s ground floor Oculus Space
Free entry
Drop in any time during opening hours
Monday–Thursday: 9am–8pm
Friday–Saturday: 9am–5pm
Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
Voices of the City is funded by BBC Children in Need and The Granada Foundation.
Photograph: Shirlaine Forrest.
CAN is supported by
