Manchester celebrates South Asian culture with weekend of music, film and performance
Although Manchester has long been a hub for the creative arts – arguably having spawned some of the greatest musicians of our time – over the past five years it has really stepped things up a notch. With the opening of HOME and the remodelling of the Whitworth Gallery, the northern city has truly become a cultural force to be reckoned with.
Don't Look at the Finger
This month, Manchester's cultural institutions – Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and the Whitworth – open eight exhibitions by leading artists in a celebration of shared heritage and historic connections.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of India, Pakistan and later Bangladesh, these exhibitions present both new and seminal works, while a wider programme of music, film and performances invite audiences to experience a wealth of South Asian culture throughout the opening weekend (29 September – 1 October 2017).
This is part of New North and South, a network of 10 organisations in the North of England and South Asia, along with the British Council, who are creating a three-year programme of co-commissions, exhibitions and intellectual exchanges.
Dr Nick Merriman, Director of Manchester Museum and spokesperson for the New North and South network said: "This weekend Manchester launches an ambitious programme that shines a spotlight on South Asian art and culture through the work of world-renowned artists. Thanks to our colleagues across the city and the spirit of collaboration, we are able to offer something for everyone from major exhibitions, artist performances, music and film. As the New North and South network we would like to thank all the artists involved in the Manchester exhibitions for bringing their creative talent to our city."
New North and South is a network of eleven arts organisations from South Asia and the North of England, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence and Reimagine India fund. Discover more at whitworth.manchester.ac.uk.
Main image: Hetain Patel, Don’t Look at the Finger, 2017 (Film still). Courtesy of the artist | All images courtesy of New North and South
Artist Nikhil Chopra in front of Steam Locomotive 3157 at the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester, 2017. Image courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry.
Nikhil Chopra at Museum of Science and Industry. Courtesy of Museum of Science and Industry.
Hetain Patel, Don’t Look at the Finger, 2017 (Film still). Courtesy the artist.
Neha Choksi Faith in friction, 2017 (production still) Courtesy the artist and Project 88.
Raqs Media Collective, 36 Planes of Emotion, 2011, Courtesy the artists.
Raqs Media Collective, Communard Biscuits, 2017, Courtesy the artists.
Raqs Media Collective, Prostheses for the History of Insurgent Crowds, 2017. Courtesy the artists.
Risham Syed Untitled Lahore Series 10, 2013 Courtesy the artist and Project 88.
Risham Syed Untitled Lahore Series 10, 2013 Courtesy the artist and Project 88.
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