Manchester’s arts Centre HOME has today announced that work on HOME Arches, a brand new, free to use, space for artist development, is due for completion in early 2025.
HOME worked with Jon Matthews Architects to deliver the world class development, opening in HOME’s tenth anniversary year, with the brief to turn a forgotten space into a place of hope and joy that complemented and extended the main arts complex, turning the railway arches from dividers into connectors both physically and artistically.
The three arches on Whitworth Street West, spread across 258 sqm, will be transformed into artist development spaces that are both functional and aesthetic. 50% of this space will be dedicated to artists from groups currently underrepresented in the industry, including members of the Global Majority, d/Deaf and disabled artists, and artists from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The new space, funded by the UK Government, Manchester City Council, The Wolfson Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, The Granada Foundation alongside trust, corporate, individual and anonymous supporters, will deliver 5,000 free hours of making, studio and development space for artists and creative freelancers, with space for residencies, supported co-working and networking opportunities, plus access to technical equipment and expertise.
New exhibition space in the custom built Arches Windows will have the ability to present a range of work from sculptural to digital, creating valuable new commissioning public realm opportunities, whilst creating a new road frontage for one of the main arteries of the city.
HOME Arches will become a much needed Artist Development Hub for the city, vital to creating a vibrant and diverse artistic ecology within the North-West where artists can thrive. This essential, new, free to use, space, available to theatre makers, visual artists and filmmakers across Greater Manchester and the North West, will support the clear need for additional, affordable productive workspace in the city centre.
HOME is already a creative hub for the region, delivering a development programme for local and world class talent of all backgrounds and disciplines, nurturing artists that are reflective of the region that it operates in. HOME’s development offer has increased by over 20% per year since the artist development team was created in 2018; currently working with more than 1000 artists per year, HOME Arches will allow the existing programme to reach its full potential, becoming the centre’s ‘Engine Room’ and inspiring HOME’s public programme and beyond.
Karen O’Neill, CEO of HOME, comments: “Since opening in 2015, HOME has been committed to supporting, investing in, and providing opportunities for artists across Greater Manchester and the North, from weekly drop-in sessions to commissions across theatre, film and visual arts. HOME Arches has been a key part of our strategy for artists’ development for many years, so to be opening these new spaces in 2025, our 10-year anniversary, is really special.
“HOME Arches will provide high quality free space and facilities for artists to develop work, create, share ideas and continue to be supported by HOME’s Artist Development programmes. The investment and support for the Arches by our funders, donors and supporters confirms that Manchester values culture, and the city continues to grow as a place that artists and creativity can thrive in. HOME is excited for the Arches to be part of Manchester’s world leading cultural sector.”
Film Producer, and artist panel member, Loran Dunn said: “The impact The Arches will have for the Artists in the city cannot be underestimated. Not only does it send a very clear message that HOME is not only supportive of, but a driver of artist development, but this is a unique chance for artists to have ownership over a professional space, to make, create and exhibit work, meaning we are very likely to see innovative groundbreaking work developed and tested here in Manchester, that will travel with international acclaim.”
Visual Artist, and artist panel member, Venessa Scott said: “Home Arches is an incredibly exciting development and opportunity. It will be a space where creatives can work and collaborate in the heart of the city; supported by excellent resources, beautiful facilities and a culture of creative development. I cannot wait to experience the positive impact it is going to have on the city and I am proud to have been part of its journey.”
Jon Matthews Architects said: “Our solution was to insert acoustically separate pieces of furniture containing all the necessary services into the arches allowing the main space to remain clear, the detailing and choice of materials bring texture and craft and individuality to each arch.
“It was a joy of a project, successfully opening what had been a barrier into a new space for creativity and connection and working with a client with civic and artistic vision.”
