Brick by Brick: Architectures of Potential

‘Brick by Brick: Architectures of potential’ is an exhibition about the history of architecture and the future of accessible, inclusive, environmental design at The Portico Library.

Four Venture Arts artists, Daniel Elms, Darren Gallagher, Horace Lindezey and Jess Taylor, have had architecture themed work selected to be part of an exhibition that gives artists, researchers, and the next generation of architects a place to share their creativity.

The Portico Library is one of the oldest buildings in Manchester and has begun an ambitious development process to share its heritage and collection with all of the city’s residents and visitors. With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others, they hope to reunite all floors of the original Grade II* listed building, creating a revitalised, fully accessible venue for reading, writing, learning, and history in the heart of the city.

The exhibition aims to explore how the spaces we inhabit often represent the interests of those who built them, yet continue to affect our lives and behaviour today. The Portico Library hope the exhibition will allow visitors to reflect on what makes an accessible, sustainable, and inclusive space and invites you to share your thoughts so they can design a community-focused, climate-aware library.