Welcome to our first newsletter of 2023. You’d be forgiven for thinking artists might be hibernating through this chilly month – on the contrary creativity is keeping us all warm, powered and connected. This newsletter will share some of that good stuff with you.
Also, if you’re interested in visiting Islington Mill for yourself to check out our gradually opening spaces – maybe with a view to joining us in the future? – our next newsletter will have plenty of info on that. (Teaser: keep the last Friday of every month free for a little while…) Here’s what we’re up to…
New music is incoming from Mill artist Bobo whose album ‘Contact’ is released on 21 January. Follow them over at Bandcamp where you can buy the exciting new material on release day. “A full 8-tracker of cathartic intelligence and sonic atmosphere from the Swedish born, Manchester based artist,” writes Detectionnaudio : “A head-first delve into the affectionate side of underground club music.”
Back in warmer days, Lowri Evans hosted a packed-out screening of her Telenovela project, produced and premiered right here at the Mill. Her work is now set to be re-screened this month as part of the dynamic PUSH Festival for HOME. If you like what you see (and you will!) Lowri is also hosting a workshop on sound design and moving image on 6th February.
Also at HOME, Tara Collette’s new solo show ‘Gentrification is Class War’ will take over both Granada Galleries from 20 January (preview launch is that evening). The work focuses on gentrification and the housing crisis in Greater Manchester and its impact on communities. Follow Tara’s Insta for more information and to support her art. Claire Hignett and Patrick O’Donnell both have work featured in a group show entitled ‘In the Making’ at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, running until 26 April. The show combines painting, drawing, collage, fabric, photography, interaction, installation, sound, sculpture, design and moving image, sharing the oft-hidden processes contained ‘In the Making’ of an art work. Rachel Goodyear’s solo exhibition ‘Stirrings‘ is still on at Salford Museum until the end of February so that’s a whole Islington Mill takeover in one visit!
May Day, M’aidez (2022) by Claire Hignett.
Tranuary is a day-long art and music festival, created by trans people for trans people. The main event takes place at SOUP on Stevenson Square but our very own Mirage Bar on the ground floor of the MIll will be hosting a Tranuary Pre-Party Clothes Swap event on 27 January from 5pm, where you can bring and swap some new glad rags for the event. A suggested entry of £2 will go towards George House Trust supporting people living with HIV in Greater Manchester. Check out the lush poster below.
Next month Jo Clements presents a bold new solo show of specially-created work at The Whitaker in Rawtenstall. The intriguing title of the show is ‘Everyone In This Room Is Connected To Everyone In This Room’. New artist film will sit alongside incredible bizarre sculptural works that react with augmented reality to describe a journey through the human brain with all its inherent magic, mystery, connections and contradictions. There’s loads to learn and explore so head to The Whitaker from 25 Feb onwards. Follow this link to learn more.
Art With Heart present a new podcast created with and centred on children’s equality as part of Manchester City Council’s Our Year project. The episode explores what equality means to young people in Manchester and what adults can do to make things better for the next generation. You can listen to this important conversation on Spotify or iTunes.
Another newsletter will follow shortly with news of our Last Fridays event so stay tuned…
