MIF21: EART

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor

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EART

Dantzic in Manchester, City Centre
1-18 July 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Fabio De Paola
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Creativity has been touted and nominally espoused as an important value in government and the corporate world for a number of years now. Yet how much has self-expression truly been welcomed into life and society beyond the confounds of ‘the arts’, and perhaps people’s leisure time? At best, it is tolerated as an indulgence; at worst, viewed as dangerous. But what would the world be like if this were to change? If creativity was truly embraced and allowed to seep into all areas – from banking and real estate to healthcare and governance?

14 years since his first Manchester International Festival commission, which formed part of The Rusholme Project in 2007, leading Pakistani artist Rashid Rana is returning to Manchester to present EART. An MIF exclusive, the project will take the form of a pop-up grocery shop and exhibition based on the concept of ‘EART’ – a term invented by Rana to describe moments of self-expression and creative practice that include but are not limited to the arts. The fully functioning shop will exist as a direct challenge to capitalism and consumerism – offering a playful alternative by stocking generic, locally sourced and unbranded produce that reframe the act of buying. The exhibition will dive deeper into this concept of extended creativity, considering how it could be applied beyond the confines of the gallery space.

For an artist who more often works with photography, sculpture and digital printmaking as a means of exploring abstract concepts and societal issues, this should be an interesting form of creative divergence. His 2007 MIF commission, presented at Rusholme Jobcentre Plus, celebrated the area’s local heroes as part of the festival’s wider focus on the local art scene. It’s exciting to see Rana situate another of his works firmly within the city; seeking to enter into a direct relationship with the people who live here. Start saving your pocket money and head along to EART.   

Where to go near MIF21: EART

Manchester
Event venue
Old Bank Residency

The Old Bank Residency is a twelve-month occupation of a disused bank, allowing a space for creative practices to experiment, collaborate and grow. This project is funded and supported by NOMA to make Manchester an even more interesting place to be.

City Centre
Restaurant
Allpress
at NOMA

Allpress at NOMA is a home to all things coffee, with a café and seasonal menu incorporating locally sourced ingredients.

Manchester
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Skof by Tom Barnes

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Manchester
Event venue
Federation House

Federation House in Manchester is a pop-up project space that provides opportunities for artists, artist groups and artist development agencies.

City Centre
Event venue
Sadler’s Yard

Sadlers Yard is a public square and events space in Manchester from NOMA Mcr. Home of the Pilcrow Pub and PLANT NOMA.

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Altogether Otherwise

Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.

Manchester
Music venue
New Century

Following a £10m transformation project, Manchester’s iconic New Century Hall has returned as a live music, performance and events space.

Manchester
Restaurant
eden Manchester

eden is a brand-new botanical inspired all-day dining, drinking and entertainment destination based in The Printworks.

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