CREATIVE HUBS

MANCHESTER’S SECRET TO SUCCESS

By Mollie Boardman

Known for its history in music, and development of the literary scene, Manchester is a thriving creative hub within the north of England that continuously fosters a diverse art scene full of initiatives and networks that allow creatives to grow. The variety of creative endeavours prevalent in the city means that freedom of expression is a core part of Manchester ’s identity and, as such, the city has strived to increase access and develop new audiences in the artistic industry.

I have compiled a list of organisations that host regular events and workshops around Manchester, catering towards the variety of creative industries that are predominant in the city.

Comma Press

Hope Mill, 113 Pollard Street, M4 7JA

Founder of the Northern Fiction Alliance, Comma Press is a non-profit publisher of short stories from authors both locally and internationally. Across England, Comma Press hosts short story writing courses throughout the year that allow emerging voices to develop their craft and see their work published in Comma Press’s own digital anthology.

Cotton On MCR

Passionate about art and Manchester, Cotton On MCR brings the city a variety of creative workshops, exhibitions and fairs. They offer artists the chance to lead their own workshops, organise exhibitions and commission articles that focus on their work to upload to Cotton On MCR’s website. If you are looking for more proactive events to develop your brand and outreach, this is the place to go.

Manchester School of Photography

The Manchester School of Photography teaches students from beginner to professional, at all levels and backgrounds. Their many courses and workshops span across a variety of different photography disciplines, from street photography to food photography. As they cater towards photographers looking to learn and develop their skills, you are sure to find a resource that suits your practice needs.

Royal Exhange Theatre

Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, M2 7DH

Manchester Literature Festival

The Manchester Literary Festival is a key feature of the literary scene within Manchester. Throughout their events, they host many writers, actors, broadcasters, comedians and poets - as well as emerging talents - in order to promote the best in contemporary writing. MLF provides the possibility for writers to experiment with new media, through their wide range of projects and competitions that partner with arts and cultural organisations (outside of its annual literature festival). Alongside opportunities for writers, MLF relies on volunteers and recruits, allocating an abundance of people for different teams, which may be a good idea for aspiring writers to take a step into the contemporary literature scene.

Home MCR

Home MCR produces a mix of experiences focusing on film, art, drama and dance in collaboration with international and UK artists. They offer opportunities for artist development across a multitude of art forms, so whether that may be a single workshop or a networking event, you are sure to find an option that suits your creative needs. Creative development is also offered to schools and younger creatives, supplying them the space to make art and explore their interests.

An award-winning cultural charity, the Royal Exchange Theatre offers professional and creative development, community projects and behind-thescenes workshops, as well as family-friendly events and opportunities for young and elderly people across all aspects of theatre. For aspiring script writers, the theatre accepts script submissions in short time windows, discovering new talent, alongside hosting the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting for age 16+, which helps launch the voices of unrecognised writers. The theatre also has a young resident company for performers, makers and writers aged 14-21.

Owen Rutland Graphic Designer

Owen Rutland is a conceptually driven graphic designer. He has a knack for finding unique typefaces and tries to remain socially conscious in considering the ethics of design and how it can influence his local communities.

Contributor

Millie Raine Collage artist

Millie Raine is a collage artist that merges traditional collaging techniques with a variety of different mediums. She is also co-founder of Bad Taste Collective, an organisation dedicated to redefining the creative process and allowing more experimentation.

Email: contact@owenrutland.co.uk

Website: https://owenrutland.co.uk

Instagram: @owenowz

Rida Khalid Designer

Rida Khalid is an animator and illustrator that focuses on 2D and digital work, exploring a variety of subjects that range from character work to environments. She has worked on a multitude of projects such as children’s book illustrations, film and exhibitions.

Email: badtastecollect@gmail.com

Website: https://badtastecollective.co.uk

Instagram: @badtaste.collective

Email: ridanimations@gmail.com

Website: https://ridanimations.com

Instagram: @ridanimations