whitworth project

As part of the collaboration with external organisations in Unit X, we were set a brief by the Whitworth Art Gallery to come up with a proposal for ideas for their Gallery in the Park extension, and how we think it can be improved by students and the public:

www.mcconstruction.co.uk

I recently visited the gallery and took my time walking round all the rooms and galleries available. Previously when we had our group from MMU a tour of the building there were so many more rooms that aren’t open to the general public – I think this is a shame as some of these rooms are so interesting as they are quite old and beautiful and would be great to explore.

I understand that there are opportunities to see the Tactile Textiles exhibits if organised prior to visiting. However, if I had not come as a student from MMU I would have had no idea that this was a possibility, I think it’s very important for this to be better advertised to people as a lot of the public that don’t attend uni would still relish the opportunity to see these gorgeous textile works.

Another thing is that I don’t think that the Whitworth is using advertising to its full potential in the surrounding areas of Rusholme and Moss Side. When I was living in halls in first year I was living just across the park from the gallery. While living here all sorts of flyers and leaflets were put through my door for many different events/clubs/restaurants etc, and I think the Whitworth may be missing a trick here by not doing the same. There are at least four halls of residence very close to the gallery that could be advertised to easily, as well as a dense population of students round Rusholme and Moss Side.

I’ve seen that there are several opportunities for families and children to interact with the Whitworth, mostly weekly sessions and classes for young children and toddlers. I think that an area that is perhaps open to kids all the time or at least for a period of time each day would be great, with classes and workshops that children can drop in and out of. I think it’s also important for older children and young teens to get involved with the gallery. The Manchester Academy School is just round the corner, I don’t know if the Whitworth already work with these students, but it’d be great if they get involved.

As part of this course I am doing six weeks of work experience in Salford at a centre called Start, a place for the teaching and practicing of the Arts for people suffering or at risk from suffering from mental health issues. They work with the Lowry Gallery in Salford quite closely, and I know that some of their pottery and clay work even gets sold in the gallery. I think that The Whitworth could start working with organisations such as Start; it’s another great way of becoming involved with another part of the community.