Manchester based award-winning theatre and arts charity 53two is celebrating its 10th birthday in July with a number of exciting events at the popular venue with the aim of raising £10,000 to help secure the future of one of the city’s most accessible and inclusive independent creative spaces.
Based beneath the Grade II listed arches under the Manchester Central Convention Centre, 53two has become a home for artists, audiences and community groups who might otherwise struggle to access theatre – surviving floods, the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, while continuing to champion creativity across Greater Manchester.
Over the last decade, 53two has welcomed some of the biggest names in comedy and television, including Joe Lycett, Sarah Millican and James Acaster, as well as the Line of Duty’s Adrian Dunbar and former Corrie star Michelle Keegan. This is all while remaining rooted in its founding mission: to remove barriers and create opportunities for artists and audiences across the city.
The thriving cultural hub is asking supporters old and new across the city for vital donations to help 53two continue its mission of supporting artists, creating opportunities for emerging creatives, delivering community programmes and ensuring independent culture continues to thrive in Greater Manchester. Unlike many larger arts organisations, 53tworeceives no regular Arts Council England funding and no core funding from Manchester City Council, making community support vital for its future.
Headline prizes during the fundraising month include the opportunity to appear as an extra on ITV’s Coronation Street and an exclusive one-of-a-kind original artwork of the iconic 53two arches by acclaimed Manchester illustrator Stanley Chow who recently designed the ubiquitous pop-art image of Andy Burnham used during his successful Makerfield by-election campaign. Indeed, Burnham has frequented the arches and has encouraged the 24 hour run to use 53two as their home for fundraising events for the un-housed community.
Additional exclusive experiences and prizes will also be announced in the coming weeks, with remote bidding available for those unable to attend in person.
The fundraising efforts will culminate on 1st August with a star-studded Birthday Dinner Dance. The gala will feature:
Ahead of the gala, 53two will host a diverse mix of exciting events throughout July to bring people together and help raise at least £10,000.
Highlights include a Night at the Musicals on the 18th Julyheadlined by West End star Shona Lindsay; a Silent Discobeneath the arches on the 24th July; and a special community birthday quiz on the 25th July. Other events include a ‘Clubbercise’ session on the 18th July, as well as ‘Pianoke’ on the 30th July.
As part of the celebrations, 53two will also launch a new lottery scheme, creating a sustainable way for supporters to contribute to the organisation’s future work and help keep the venue open, accessible and affordable.
Simon Naylor, Creative Director at 53two commented, “Ten years ago, we set out to create a home for creativity, community and possibility – a place where artists and audiences could come together without barriers. Along the way we’ve faced challenges we could never have imagined, from the pandemic and rising costs to the wider pressures facing independent arts venues across the country. But, thanks to the artists, audiences, volunteers, partners and supporters who believe in what we do, we’ve not only survived — we’ve grown into a vital creative home for so many people across Greater Manchester.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back at everything we’ve achieved together, we’re asking people to help protect what comes next. Every ticket bought, donation made and auction bid placed will help us keep supporting artists, welcoming communities and making sure theatre remains accessible to everyone. The next ten years hold even greater possibilities, and we invite everyone who has been part of our story – or wants to be a part of it – to help shape the next chapter.”
To get your ticket to one of the events taking place in July during 53two’s fundraising month, or to make a donation and bid in the auction visit: 53two.com/ten
