The Manchester Open
2020 - first edition
2022 - second edition
HOME, Manchester
Founder | The Manchester Open
Curator | exhibition, 2020 & 2022
Producer | exhibition, 2020
Winner: Best Exhibition, Manchester Culture Awards 2021
Supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, The Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Granada Foundation, Castlefield Gallery and Cass Art.
All copyright original artists
Installation images by Lee Baxter
Original founder and curator for the first two editions of the Manchester Open; the first Greater Manchester exhibition of its type to welcome entries from people of all ages, backgrounds and level of experience. From established professionals, new and emerging talent, to enthusiastic amateurs and first-time artists.
My wish was to directly oppose the glut of ‘blockbuster-artist’ programming that has become commonplace, as cultural institutions attempt to meet funders requirements in the form of (often exaggerated) visitor numbers.
A mixed programming ecology should be possible, but it’s an all too frequent approach that prevents opportunities for risk or champion lesser-known names, especially locally-based creatives struggling to source exhibiting opportunities.
There is no restriction on who can enter and or in which medium, other than a home or studio address within the GM region. With a population of 2.8 million, this comprises the ten metropolitan boroughs of Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the cities of Manchester and Salford.
Entry is via an online submission portal and free.
The Manchester Open Awards are tailored artist bursaries delivered in association with Castlefield Gallery, Manchester, and shaped to suit each individual needs - from covering studio rent to specialist training, travel or production costs.
The first Manchester Open, launching in 2020 – the most successful exhibition in HOME’s history – saw over 33,000 visitors enjoying 543 artworks by 451 artists, with artwork sales exceeding £20,000.
On opening night, a queue of 2,000 visitors, families and friends of artists stretched around the block. The second Manchester Open in 2022 exhibited over 400 artworks from 2,271 entries.
The exhibition has now been confirmed as a recurring, biennial event. The next iteration will be The Manchester Open 2024, running 3 Feb - 28 Apr 2024. More information at the HOME website.
That both artists and audiences should continue to make the case and show up for each other continues to be deserving of further support.
Winner of the Best Exhibition at Manchester Cultural Awards 2021.
