Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art at The Whitworth

Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art at The Whitworth

Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art at The Whitworth, Manchester 14 February — 14 June 2020 Entrance is free — Visit now

The term ‘Outsider artist’ is a complicated one. Traditionally it has been used to describe self-taught or untrained artists deemed as sitting ‘outside’ the ‘mainstream’ artworld and who often also experience other forms of social or cultural marginalisation. The label itself suggests a power structure – of not belonging to the club – and many artists view it as a gesture of limitation that places them into restrictive aesthetic ghettos. For others, however, it can signify quite the opposite; a liberating proclamation, a ‘badge of pride’ stating radical opposition to an elitist art world, a banner to organise under.

A new exhibition at the Whitworth in Manchester explores the theme of ‘Outsider Art’ from the perspective of six learning disabled and non-learning disabled artists, and has been developed partly in response to the gallery’s Musgrave Kinley Outsider Art Collection – the largest collection of ‘Outsider Art’ in a public gallery in the UK. Entering the gallery, you’ll find important items from the historic collection presented alongside a diverse body of works developed by the Other Transmissions group, which is made up of Joe Beedles, James Desser, Amy Ellison, Frances Heap, Andrew Johnstone and John Powell-Jones.

Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art is the result of a year-long award-winning residency project led by Venture Arts (a progressive Manchester-based visual arts organisation that works to build the work and careers of learning-disabled artists) in collaboration with the Whitworth and Castlefield Gallery. A highlight of the exhibition will be on the 28 May, when the Venture Arts collective will present a special evening of performance, film screenings, music and celebration. The show is also accompanied by a sister presentation of work at Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool (7-21 March 2020).

Visitors to Other Transmissions are likely to experience a truly thought-provoking series of conversations about the art world, the labels we use, and society more generally. These are conversations shaped by different voices and perspectives, and which demand to be heard.

Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art at The Whitworth, Manchester 14 February — 14 June 2020 Entrance is free Visit now

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
13 February 2020
6:00pm — 8:00pm

Accessibility Features

Relaxed

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

What's on at The Whitworth

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry

Where to go near Other Transmissions: Conversations with Outsider Art at The Whitworth

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Big Hands

Big Hands is the one-time haunt of legendary Manchester band Elbow; it’s shabby, loud and dark, with a jukebox and excellent roof terrace.

The Giving Tree
Manchester
Restaurant
The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is a cafe and community hub based in Rusholme, a short walk from the city centre.

Pankhurst Centre
Manchester
Museum
The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre houses a small museum and heritage centre that remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement born in this city.

Cafe at the Museum
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
The Cafe
at the Museum

Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.

Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy 3

Brilliant venue for catching a touring band on the rise. The boringly titled Academy 3 or more interesting Hop and Grape, as it was once known, is a self contained…

Manchester Academy music venue on Oxford Road Manchester.
Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy

The Manchester Academy is a mid size, modern warehouse venue adjacent to the University of Manchester Students’ Union. It lacks any architectural merit and has always been a difficult place…

Christie’s Bistro, Manchester. Courtesy Christie’s Bistro
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Christie’s Bistro

This wood-panelled former science library – part of a cluster of neo-Gothic buildings designed for the University of Manchester by Alfred Waterhouse (he of Manchester Town Hall and London’s Natural History Museum fame) – has a wonderfully bookish interior that turns lunch into something of an event.

What's on: Exhibitions

Culture Guides

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.