Hard to believe 2022 is already coming to a close, but there’s plenty of activity still happening here at Islington Mill right up till the last moment. The building renovations are proceeding apace, the fifth floor has been officially handed back to us from our star builders, and soon there will be a highly-anticipated lift to all floors. Going up…!
Until then, here’s a round-up of art-food-fun-gift-party-arty action. Wrap up warm, see you soon.
First up, Xmas at the Mill is on the way. This year our Winter Market will host around twenty of our makers and artists on 14 December from 3pm till 8pm. Buy some unique gifts, have a mulled wine or two, and get festive in good company. Support independent this Christmas and have a jolly festive night out to boot.
WEAVE Winter School runs from 13–15 of December at both the Royal Exchange and New Islington Mill. The Winter School will host a series of workshops, conversations, masterclasses and networking, all free to attend for participants of Islington Mill’s WEAVE programme. If you’re not yet enrolled fear not, new participants are welcome to sign up at the event for free to enjoy our full programme across the 3 days.
Fatty Acid Winter Wonderland takes place on 17 December bringing music, drinks, food, speed-friending, cabaret, DJs, and most importantly, queer joy! Join the Partisan queer collective to bring in the festive vibes. More info and advance tickets at this link.
Girl Gang invite you to a creative Christmas party on 17 December in Manchester city centre with a festive silent disco with special guests Silence of the Jams, plus Christmas singalongs, card-making, party games, gift donations, loads of dancing and festive good times! Read more and get your tickets at this link.
Our Last Fridays event programme brings together newcomers to Islington Mill with our current studio tenants and extended community of friends, collaborators and neighbours to explore our gradually opening buildings, make new connections, and talk about what you want your relationship to Islington MIll to be like. All are welcome. Come along from 4.30pm on any last Friday of the month to join in. Next dates are 27th Jan, 24th Feb, 31st March 2023. To see access info click this link.
For the first time in ages there will be a proper good knees-up for New Year’s Eve at the Mill. Hosted by Partisan you can expect a proper end of year ruck with great music, friendly folks and dancing. Read more and get tickets at this link.
The latest ‘cover star’ of our Meet The Residents page is the one and only Alena Ruth Donnely. Alena’s fibre creations centre around her rug-tufting skills, producing vivid textile works that reflect on politics, mental heath, culture and the esoteric world. Her animal- and planet-friendly approach means her ethics are deep in the work, which is colourful, topical, satirical, gorgeous to look at and loads of fun. Alena recently made a bog splash with their first stand at the Manchester Contemporary. Check out her Insta here. Alena is always happy to chat commissions and their studio is one of our fave places to visit.
Fashion and textile icon Jessie ‘Needlewoman’ Stringer Fewtrill has just announced that her clothing and fashion workshops are back up and running. These are super popular hands-on making sessions for beginners which make clothes-making fun. They sell out quick and they make the best Xmas or birthday gifts for pals to do together. Currently on sale: Begin to Sew, Upcycle Your Wardrobe, and Pinafore Dressmaking. Be quick!
Creating Art in Communities is a workshop where you can learn how to carry out community art projects from concept to successful delivery, with lots of hints and tips on all the things you need to know. This online 1-hour session takes place 11 January and will be a great way to start your year with some new skills. Read more and book at this link here.
Don’t forget that Sounds From The Other City tickets are on sale right now, ahead of the biggest ‘n’ best Salford festival taking place Bank Holiday Sunday, 30 April 2023. It’ll be here before you know it!
STOP PRESS…! We have just heard that our Bee Corner project has been awarded a Level 4 (Thriving) Certificate from the Britain In Bloom competition. We are so proud and in awe of what the team and their volunteers have achieved with this urban oasis. Congratulations!
