Manchester Art Fair

16/04/2026

Get your first look at The Whitworth’s Spring programme 👀

Get a first look at the Whitworth's spring exhibitions programme 🌺

Join us for a special evening to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition by Michaela Yearwood-Dan, "The Practice of Liberation" the artist's first institutional show in the UK. Presented alongside the Whitworth’s Spring exhibitions: "Beneath the Great Wave: Hiroshige and Hokusai" and "Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground".

Experience the gallery in full bloom as all our exhibition spaces will be open for the Spring season in a relaxed, social atmosphere and enjoy exploring the wider programme of exhibitions across the galleries. Discover bold and thought-provoking works and spend an evening immersed in creativity.

Please note: the Whitworth Café will be closed during this event, we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. There will be a cashless bar for refreshments, and the Whitworth Shop will be open throughout the evening.

📅 Thursday 16 April 2026
⏰ 6pm - 8pm
🎫 Free entry, book your place now

Image: Michaela Yearwood-Dan, Passio (2026) © Michaela Yearwood-Dan. Courtesy the artist, Hauser & Wirth and Marianne Boesky Gallery. Photographer: Deniz Guzel.

16/04/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c86e511v5l1o?fbclid=IwZnRzaARNvGhleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR5nruTZ3VUJXsIbJyASbsohQ_BsfqE7qz1Zq8uMwZKxZsY88f3poFoDY6C1Ag_aem_a48tAsMkwGmwhMypivdzXA

Manchester's busy commuter railway station is to double as a creative arts workshop.

09/04/2026

Created in response to the Recoverist Curators exhibition, co-curated with Portraits of Recovery, don’t miss this guided meditation on Saturday 11th April

Slow down in this guided meditation inspired by our Recoverist Curators exhibition, co-curated in partnership with Portraits of Recovery 🫶

Join practitioner Nicola Wiggins for a guided meditation session centred around nervous system regulation and inner safety. A soft, supportive space where participants are invited to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and meet themselves exactly where they are, without pressure or expectation. There will be elements of breath, awareness, and gentle guidance to support grounding and a sense of steadiness.

Book your free ticket now via Eventbrite - https://ow.ly/Mm2x50YF24t.

📅Saturday 11 April
⏰12pm-1pm
🎫Free, booking required

03/04/2026

Gallery applications are now OPEN for Manchester Art Fair 2026.

We’re inviting a carefully curated selection of galleries to join one of the UK’s most respected contemporary art fairs.
Apply now to join a strong line-up of galleries from across the UK and beyond including are The Drang Gallery , The Lion Street Gallery and Bibianna Africa Art Collective .

For 2026, the fair expands to FOUR days, creating more time for meaningful connections with collectors, curators and art lovers.

Apply now to be part of Manchester Art Fair 2026.

20/03/2026

FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS📣
We're looking for outstanding galleries and artists to join us for our 2026 edition.
If you're thinking of applying now is the time - applications close at midnight on Sunday 22nd March.
Don't miss the opportunity to showcase your work to collectors, curators and an engaged buyer audience!

19/03/2026

Congratulations to Drill McDrilly on their achievement and be sure to catch the two new exhibitions this month for you to enjoy at Gallery Oldham

🤩 Employee of the Month 🤩

We would be absolutely lost without Drill McDrilly during gallery changeovers! Pictured here, getting the new Gallery Four exhibition up and ready.

And Drill McDrilly has been working extra hard! This month we have not one, but TWO new fabulous exhibitions for you to come and enjoy.

🎨 “All Around the World” by Linda Edwards, Gallery Four
📚 “Once Upon a Time” featuring five children’s illustrators, Gallery Three

Both opening this Saturday (21 March)

Check out our website for more details on all of our upcoming exhibitions

https://hla.oldham.gov.uk/gallery/exhibitions/

16/03/2026

Now open at The Whitworth
Beneath the Wave:Hokusai and Hiroshima is now on display. A beautiful exhibition exploring the iconic works of two giants of Japanese printmaking. Don’t miss it!

14/03/2026

Applications for Manchester Art Fair 2026 are open!
Each year the fair brings together an exceptional group of contemporary galleries and artists presenting ambitious work to collectors, curators and institutions from across the UK and beyond.
If you're looking to position your practice or gallery programme within a leading contemporary art fair, we welcome your application for our 2026 edition.

06/03/2026

05/03/2026

🎙️

First up from our Manchester Art Fair 2025 Art Talks archive: Is art criticism doomed?
With magazines closing, budgets being slashed, and commercial interests increasingly shaping editorial agendas, art criticism is facing serious challenges. But is there still a future for it?

In this conversation, talks with to explore whether art criticism can survive, or whether we’re witnessing the end of an era.

🎧 Listen again and decide for yourself👇
https://www.manchesterartfair.co.uk/fair-programme/art-talk

25/02/2026

Modern & Contemporary Art Galleries - apply now to exhibit at the new extended version of Manchester Art Fair.

Secure your place at MAF26 and connect with influential collectors and buyers. Apply now Exhibiting | Manchester Art Fair

18/02/2026

We’re thrilled to announce that this year, Manchester Art Fair will be expanding to four days at Manchester Central

Over the years, we’ve seen so many incredible moments: artists connecting with collectors, galleries discovering new audiences, and visitors leaving with artwork that will stay in their homes forever. Every corner of the fair has been filled with energy, creativity and inspiration and this year, there’s even more time to experience it all.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time visitor, Manchester Art Fair is a place where art truly comes to life. Our extended schedule means more opportunities to meet your favourite artists, explore new galleries and celebrate contemporary art in the heart of the city.

We can’t wait to welcome you back. The fair isn’t just an event, it’s a celebration of creativity, connection and discovery.

Tickets go on sale in June. Subscribe for updates and exclusive early bird offers https://www.manchesterartfair.co.uk/sign-up-email