Make Art: Manchester – Welcome Pack

outsidein.org.uk

MAKE ART: MANCHESTER

WELCOME PACK

Make Art is a free and relaxed in-person art group run monthly by arts charity Outside In, and led by Outside In artists and ambassadors.

It is an opportunity to: Connect with other artists in a relaxed and creative space.

Talk about art, life, and creativity.

Work on your own art projects and share your work.

Meet other local artists over a cup of tea and biscuits.

Check our website events page to find out when our next session will take place.

Artist Naoibh McNamee at the Humanity exhibition

About Make Art

Eligibility You do not need to already be an Outside In artist to take part, but you do need to encounter barriers to the art world, such as: Health conditions Disability Social circumstances Isolation If you’re unsure whether this is a good fit for you, please get in touch with Beth: beth.hopkins@outsidein.org.uk

Workshop run by artist Jo Tiffany

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You can bring:

Make Art: Brighton

We provide a selection of basic art materials, and you are welcome to bring your own: Your sketchbook, canvas, paper, or choice of media to continue with your latest work-inprogress, or to start a fresh project.

Your electronic devices if you are using digital media; Laptops, tablets, and phones, as power and public Wi-Fi is available.

Art materials that are not volatile, corrosive, or hazardous.

Pens, pencils, pastels, ink, fine liners, paint pens, markers, and collage materials.

Please be mindful of allowing adequate drying time and portability, as all artists are responsible for taking their artworks and materials with them at the end of each session. There is no storage for artworks at the venue Please do not carry art materials through the main gallery, use the Garden Entrance.

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Facilitator: Valeria Leonova (she/her) Outside In Gallery About me: I’m an artist, children’s book illustrator, and art educator originally from Ukraine and now living in the UK as a refugee. My creative journey is rooted in resilience, identity, and the belief that art can be a powerful tool for connection and healing. I run heritage and art workshops, especially focused on Petrykivka painting — a vibrant Ukrainian folk art — and I work closely with children and adults to create safe, joyful spaces for self-expression. Through everything I do, I aim to support others and build a more inclusive, compassionate world.

About my work: My illustrations are rich with emotion, folklore, and imagination — often featuring nature, magical creatures, and dreamlike scenes. I bring traditional techniques into contemporary storytelling, blending detailed, expressive artwork with themes of belonging and transformation.

Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of my practice — I strive to reflect a wide range of voices and experiences in every piece I create, whether it’s for a book, a workshop, or a community project.

Facilitator: Dara Addams (he/him) Outside In Interview Outside In Gallery

About me: I have been with Outside In since 2022, starting with a residency. In 2024 I was the lead artist for the exhibition The Pride Parade Goes On Without Me which was a collaborative effort with other LGBTQ Outside In artists.

About my work: As a queer, disabled immigrant, my work often focuses on issues of social injustice. I draw on my personal experiences, and the natural world for inspiration. I am a multidisciplinary artist, so while my more recent work has been primarily textile-based, I have worked in a wide variety of media, and like to change it up and try different things.

Access: Make Art The group is in the Garden Room on the ground floor, which is wheelchair accessible We provide labels for name badges and traffic light stickers for communication interaction at every session You are welcome to bring PAs/carers, just let Beth know in advance to reserve a space Gender neutral and accessible toilets are across the hall from the room we will be using Nearest Changing Places toilet is at Manchester University, just further down Oxford Road.

We are always open to questions and feedback on accessibility If you require additional access support for the session, please let Beth know (beth.hopkins@outsidein.org.uk).

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Workshop run by artist Paige Lyons

Planning your visit Location: The Whitworth, Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER The gallery is on a major bus route and easily reached via public transport, or on foot or bicycle: Walk: 30–40min from Manchester city centre. Flat paved route, not traffic-free.

Bike: Sheffield stands and lockers (£1 coin, refundable) both available at the gallery.

Bus: 15, 41, 42, 43, 140 – 143, 147. Ask for bus stop nearest MRI, Oxford Road.

Tram: St Peter’s Square (plus 10 minutes on the bus or approximately 30 minutes on foot).

Train: Oxford Road (plus 10 minutes on the bus or around 25 minutes on foot).

Car: On-street parking (maximum stay, 2 hours) on Denmark Road. Nearest car park Cecil Street (M15 6GD).

See below for more information about how to navigate the new 'bus gates' on Oxford Road.

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Access: The Whitworth If you need any access assistance, please contact the Whitworth Visitor Team on 0161 275 7450 who are happy to help.

Facilities include: Assisted toilet facilities Gendered toilets in the Shop Gender-neutral toilets at the Parkside entrance Gender-neutral toilets on the lower ground floor – downstairs on the Oxford Road side, lift available Wheelchairs available for public use Adequate seating with arms throughout the gallery Light, handheld portable stools – located across the gallery, please ask a member of the Visitor Team Ear defenders Large print information about exhibitions The lighting levels can often be low due to the vulnerable nature of our collections.

Assistance Dogs are welcome in the gallery Autism Friendly Ear defenders can be borrowed from the Oxford Road desk.

If you would like to access a quiet space, please ask a member of staff Quieter Hours are normally after 3pm on a weekday and from 10-11am on a Sunday.

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Disabled parking at the Whitworth Denmark Road is directly adjacent to the gallery, it has step-free access to both our Park Side and Oxford Road entrances. There are a total of 5 disabled bays, 9 spaces for car/bus drop-off and 7 double yellow line areas, which can be used by blue badge holders.

Parkside Entrance: 3 gallery-designated disabled bays are directly beside our park entrance along Denmark road. A short step-free path from our park gates leads you to the parkside entrance.

Oxford Road Entrance: There are an additional 2 disabled bays further along on Denmark Road for the surrounding buildings. If using these you can enter through our main gates (across the bicycle lanes) and up shallow gradient ramps leading to our automatic doors, which open inwards.

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Comfort and Safety We aim to create a relaxed, welcoming and supportive environment.

We expect all participants to be respectful and kind to one another If you have any concerns during the session, please speak to one of the facilitators, Valeria or Dara If you would like to speak to someone outside of the session, please get in touch with Beth

Drinks and Food Complimentary teas, coffees, cow’s milk, oat milk and biscuits are provided.

You are welcome to bring your own snacks too, but please don’t eat them in the gallery Email Beth about any allergies you have when you book a session.

Contact: BETH HOPKINS Community Development Manager Co-Safeguarding Lead 07931 516038 beth.hopkins@outsidein.org.uk