As British Art Show 9 lands in the city this May, Manchester artists respond with ‘A Modest Show’, a three month programme of 43 newly commissioned works and events, serving up new artworks, dinners, interventions, performance and more across Greater Manchester.
A group of artist-led spaces gathered together in 2021 determined to ‘get a seat at the table’ and to place Manchester artists in the spotlight during the run of BAS9. With funding from Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, A Modest Show suggested artists devise artworks under satirical themes of food, hospitality, consumption and dining…..inviting audiences to EAT MANCHESTER ARTISTS!
Across 23 venues the programme connects with over 100 artists using food as a vehicle to explore subjects such as identity, politics, social relations, sustainability and the neurodivergent. Exhibiting in spaces indoors and out, from tropical gardens to the inside of a Luton van to museum gallery walls, the venues include Kampus, SEESAW Space, the Whitworth, Paradise Works and Rogue Studios.
Appointing The Manchester Contemporary curator and Division of Labour Gallery Director Nathaniel Pitt to direct the programme, he devised a collateral programme to British Art Show 9 that responds to the desires and aspirations of Manchester grass-roots spaces.
Some highlights include:
- Manchester Metropolitan University Alumni, Ryan Gander has been curated into Fayre Share Fayre, and exhibition of 40+ artists rooted in Manchester that takes over the South Gallery of the Whitworth including Matthew Holding, Claus Oldenburg, Benji Reid, Magnus Quaife, The Artist Taxi Driver, Chester Tenneson, Parham Ghalamdar, Rachel Goodyear.
- Abstract Kab mobile gallery and performance space in a converted Luton Van. Roving the city it hosts exhibitions including ‘Superposition Remove & Deliver Co’, with Luke Routledge and Robin Broadley.
- COMBINE With Me takes inspiration from the popular daytime TV cookery show, Kieran Healy brings together sculptural artists, in an creative ‘ swap shop challenge.’ After creating a piece, artists switch work with an artist adding to or adjusting the work given to them.
- PROFORMA – Fertile Grounds & Carnival Street Party. Nikita Gill, uses documentation to explore cultural links between Longsight and Moss Side, celebrating Caribbean History in the City. Alongside the exhibition a street party celebrates 50 years of Carnival in the city.
- Arthur Simons / Ell Edwards create a Zine publication documenting the story of the two artists as they eat their way through the UK to each Tate Gallery cafe and members’ lounge.
A key focus on the programme is the desire for artists to meet collectors and curators to extend the reach of their work and A Modest Show has partnered with the city’s vibrant hospitality sector, such as newly opened hotel The Alan and Northern Restaurant & Bars, to deliver a programme of meals and events to build connections.
The evolving programme also looks solidly to the future with a plan to leave legacy for Manchester – with a map, and arts website being transformed after the programme closes to highlight arts happening in the city.
A programme of artist mentoring connects British Art Show 9 artists with A Modest Show emerging artists.
A Modest Show will go on to tour at art fairs to bring international focus on Manchester.
