Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
The start of the year can feel sluggish or chaotic for many, but thankfully we have visual arts to keep us grounded. The world of exhibitions never quite stops so even at this slower time, we have lots of new shows to look forward to.
While there’s no leading motif for this month’s new openings, Kathryn Maple’s show at The Walker and the Hepworth Wakefield’s Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land share a fascination with that most universal of subjects – landscape. Maple focuses on extreme weather phenomena with the use of distinctive mark-making, while the sculpture display examines how the land influenced the two- and three-dimensional output of some of the most famous British sculptors.
Moving on, we have Williamson Gallery’s display of work by textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood and his hyper-focused research on lace. His work is varied, unexpected and will certainly change the viewers’ perception of the seemingly delicate material.
In Leeds, we have The Tetley’s new poetic offering with Samra Mayanya’s in-depth exploration of ‘lostness’, based on a 1902 text from a secretary-scribe Ham Mukasa from Buganda (present-day Uganda). Back in Manchester, El Morgan weaves her personal experience with her signature playfulness to create Tale of the Frozen Bits, a show all about the history of fertility drugs and the surrounding medical structures.
You can still catch First Breath, an installation of vertical beams of light that visualises the moment that a child takes their first gasp of air, located at the site of Factory International.
Here are our picks
-
1. Kathryn Maple: Under a Hot Sun at the Walker Art Gallery
'Paper Hats' (oil on canvas) is part of Kathryn Maple’s collection to be displayed at Walker Art Gallery. Under a Hot Sun at Walker Art Gallery, City Centre, 11 February–30 April 2023, free entry - Find Out More
Visit John Moores Painting Prize winner Kathryn Maple’s beautiful exhibition of new works centred on the theme of environmental changes.
-
2. Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land at the Hepworth Wakefield
Henry Moore (1898-1996). Balancing Lintel, 1973, Lithograph, 45.5 x 58.3cm, Presented by the artist 1979. Wakefield Council Permanent Collection (The Hepworth Wakefield) Magic in this Country: Hepworth, Moore and the Land at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 31 January 2024, £10, with concessions - Book now
See the landscapes of Yorkshire and Cornwall through the eyes of some of the greatest sculptors of all time in this captivating new exhibition.
-
3. Michael Brennand-Wood: The Encirclement of Space at Williamson Gallery
'9 Dreams Within the Here & Now', Michael Brennand-Wood Michael Brennand-Wood: The Encirclement of Space at Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead, Until 18 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Brennand-Wood’s work is ambitious, experimental and often large-scale. None of these are usually associated with lace yet the artist’s work is inspired by in-depth research on exactly this material and a fearless desire to push his mediums as far as possible.
-
4. Samra Mayanja: The Living and the Stale at The Tetley
Image courtesy of Leeds Inspired. Samra Mayanja: The Living and the Stale at The Tetley, 10 February–4 June 2023, free entry - Find Out More
As an artist in love with words, Samra Mayanja explores the potential of poetry in her brand new exhibition at The Tetley.
-
5. Tale of the Frozen Bits at Castlefield Gallery
Image courtesy of El Morgan Tale of the Frozen Bits at Castlefield Gallery, Castlefield, 12 February–12 March 2023, free entry - Find Out More
Diving head-first into an exploration of fertility, medical structures and treatments, Castlefield Gallery presents the first major solo exhibition of work by El Morgan.
-
6. Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential at the Portico Library
Image courtesy of Charlie Pye. Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential at The Portico Library, Chinatown, Until 13 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the Portico Library as it’s about to embark on an exciting new chapter in its journey, and learn more about its plans for the future and the inspirations behind the original building.
-
7. Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife at The Whitaker
Credit Liam Spencer. Liam Spencer: Irwell: Afterlife at The Whitaker, Until 19 February 2023, free entry - Visit now
Liam Spencer has spent a lot of time with the River Irwell and the results of this relationship can be seen in the Whitaker’s new exhibition, one that is visually beautiful and carries a hopeful message about the natural world.
-
8. Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley & Josèfa Ntjam at FACT
Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley. Image by David Tett -
9. Sahej Rahal: Mythmachine at BALTIC Gateshead
Image: Andrew Curtis Sahej Rahal: Mythmachine at BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle, Until 3 September 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit Sahej Rahal’s immersive world that exists between the real and digital realms, where you can affect the exhibits on display.
-
10. Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Lakwena Maciver. Installation view A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) 2022 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Courtesy the artist and Vigo Gallery London. Photo © Jonty Wilde courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park Lakwena Maciver: A green and pleasant land (HA-HA) at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
Weston Gallery is illuminated by vivid colour, confident pattern and the energy with which the Lakwena Maciver takes inspiration from the local landscape.
-
11. Hannah Starkey: In Real Life at The Hepworth Wakefield
Hannah Starkey, Untitled, May 1997, 1997 framed c-type print mounted on aluminium 122 x 162 cm 48 1/8 x 63 3/4 inches © Hannah Starkey. Courtesy Maureen Paley Hannah Starkey at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 1 May 2023, from £1.00 - Book now
Starkey’s powerful compositions take centre stage in this thorough survey of the photographer’s oeuvre, from the moment of her graduation 20 years ago where she was first noticed, until now as she continues to produce images that focus on women.
-
12. Turner Prize 2022 at Tate Liverpool
Sin Wai Kin, A Dream of Wholeness in Parts (still) 2021 © the artist. Courtesy the artist, Chi - Wen Gallery, Taipei and Soft Opening, London. Produced by Chi - Wen Productions, Taipei. Supported by Hayward Gallery Touring for British Art Show 9 Turner Prize 2022 at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 19 March 2023, free entry - Visit now
One of the most important art events of the year has landed right on our doorstep this year, so visit Tate Liverpool for the unmissable exhibition filled with thought-provoking work.
-
13. Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth
Althea McNish (1933-2020)Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, Exhibition poster design, Photo: Hodder/ANL/Shutterstock, Design: Mark El-khatib Althea McNish: Colour is Mine at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 23 April 2023, free entry - Visit now
Visit the major retrospective of work by Althea McNish, the first Caribbean designer of international fame, bursting with bold, vibrant designs across textiles, wallpaper and painting.
-
14. JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters at Tate Liverpool
Joseph Mallord William Turner, Stormy Sea with Dolphins, c.1835-40, Tate. JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters installation view. Photo: Tate (Sam Day) JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters at Tate Liverpool, Waterfront, Until 4 June 2023, from £5.00 - Book now
An immersive soundscape enveloping Turner’s masterpieces is sure to be an unforgettable experience, so don’t miss it!
-
15. Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Daniel Arsham, Unearthed Bronze Eroded Melpomene, 2021. Courtesy Perrotin Gallery and Arsham Studio. Photo © James Law Daniel Arsham: Relics in the Landscape at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 30 September 2023, free entry - Visit now
Daniel Arsham’s “future relics” look perfectly at home in YSP’s green grounds, the artist’s first museum display in the UK.
-
16. Dandy Style at Manchester Art Gallery
Photograph Ashley Verse Dandy Style at Manchester Art Gallery, Chinatown, Until 1 May 2023, free entry - Visit now
Manchester Art Gallery unveils its brand new, dedicated Fashion Gallery with a show exploring men’s style through the ages.
-
17. Jadé Fadojutimi: Can we see the colour green because we have a name for it? at The Hepworth Wakefield
Jadé Fadojutimi, Ob-sess(h)-ion, 2020. 180 x 170 cm, oil and oil stick on canvas. Image courtesy the artist and Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, London © Jadé Fadojutimi, 2020. Photo: Mark Blower Jadé Fadojutimi at The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield, Until 19 March 2023, from £10 - Book now
The Hepworth Wakefield’s year of incredible exhibitions continues with a solo show of Jadé Fadojutimi’s breathtaking canvases that oscillate between abstract and figurative.
-
18. Rachel Goodyear: Stirrings at Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Rachel Goodyear Hole 2022 copyright the artist. 3 x stills from animation; full running time 13.16mins (looped) hand - drawn animations by Rachel Goodyear; Sound by Matt Wand. Rachel Goodyear: Stirrings at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, Until 26 February 2023, free entry - Visit now
Admire Rachel Goodyear’s skilful drawings peppered with symbolism and mythological references at her ‘homecoming’ home this summer, on display at Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
-
19. Bury Art Shop
Photo by Stephen Walton Bury Art Shop, Bury Art Museum, Moss Street, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 0DR - Visit now
The perfect place to find gifts, stationery, cards, children’s books and, most importantly, museum souvenirs if you want to take home a little reminder of your visit and the gallery’s wonderful collections.
More in Exhibitions
Damien Hirst at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Experience YBA artist Damien Hirst’s towering and provocative outdoor sculptures at Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
What is Manchester Art Gallery? at Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery reopens with a thought-provoking new exhibition that delves into the history of the public institution and its role within the city.
Silence – Alone in a World of Wounds at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Stop and spend an hour or two with this special creation, nestled within a stand of birch trees beside Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s Upper Lake.
At Home with the Pankhurst Family at the Pankhurst Centre
The Pankhurst Centre’s new permanent exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people behind the iconic Pankhurst name.
Life Drawing Manchester
Whether you have never put pencil to paper or have been honing your artistic skills for years, Bee Creative studio runs life drawing sessions for people of all abilities.
Cerith Wyn Evans: ….)( at MOSTYN
MOSTYN is currently hosting a major solo show by Wales’ most internationally recognised artist Cerith Wyn Evans with a show entitled ‘….)(‘.
Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science and Industry Museum
Prepare to get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, at a new major exhibition exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share.
Pure Brilliance: The Boodles Story at the Lady Lever Art Gallery
‘Pure Brilliance: The Boodles Story’ takes viewers on a journey full of sparkle, glamour and some of the finest jewels you’ll see, on the Lady Lever Art Gallery’s 100th anniversary year.
Jala Wahid: Conflagration at BALTIC Gateshead
Visit the BALTIC to experience Jala Wahid’s ‘inferno’, an exploration of Kurdish identity, Britishness and diaspora through the lens of oil.
Culture Guides
Classical Music
We preview the standout classical music events and venues in Manchester and the north.
Food and Drink
Start 2023 as you mean to go on, with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.
Literature
Live literature land welcomes in 2023 with lots lined up in Manchester and beyond, from book launches and bookshop openings to prize-winning poets and award-laden authors sharing their secrets and stories.
Tours and Activities
New years are for new experiences, and we have a whole lot of ideas to inspire you as 2023 gets underway.
Destination Guides
Related Guides
Food and Drink
Start 2023 as you mean to go on, with the best restaurants and bars in Manchester and the North.
Art Galleries in Manchester & Salford
Here’s a list of our favourite art galleries in Manchester and Salford, and what to look forward to when they reopen.
Museums in Sheffield
Sheffield has more than its fair share of weird and wonderful museums housed within its seven hills. Check out our favourites.
Art Galleries in Sheffield
A contender for the UK’s largest practicing community of artists and designers outside London – there’s a pretty impressive number of top art galleries in Sheffield.
Lunch in Manchester
Whether it’s a light bite or a hefty doorstep you’re after, good lunch places (like coffee shops) are one thing Manchester is not short on.
Museums in Manchester
Manchester is studded with fantastic museums – read our picks of the best here.
Places to go / stay / shop / eat / drink
Things to do right now
Powered by
