22 July 2026
Manchester Open brings together artists from across Greater Manchester. What does it mean to you to see so many Venture Arts artists included in this year’s exhibition?
I think it shows that we’re getting learning disabled and neurodivergent people’s work out there, getting their voices heard and getting them recognised in society and valued. It reflects the inclusive spirit of Greater Manchester. Manchester Open is one of those exhibitions that really is open to everyone. Even if studying art at university isn’t an option, there are still opportunities like this where artists can share their work.
You’ve recently visited the exhibition. Was there a particular artwork, artist or moment that really stood out to you?
There were quite a few. I really liked the totem pole-style ceramic artwork, Garden Creatures Totem Pole by tracieM. I loved the attention to detail, and I haven’t seen artwork that uses this kind of structure before. I thought it was really unique because of the diverse range of creatures and how playful they felt. It was out of the ordinary and comedic – it made me smile. It felt like a reflection on our environment, and that every creature in our ecosystem matters.
I also liked Pepper Town by Louise Salvaterra and Molly Josephine Alabama. I’m an illustrator, so I really appreciated this work. It’s got a nice contrast of colours, and the use of shape, line and texture is really good. There’s a real attention to detail.
I liked a lot of the portraiture at the exhibition too, including Gabriel Di Mauro’s Self Portrait in Living Room – it really captivated me. I felt a deep sense of connection and like it was trying to get a message across to me. It’s highly detailed, engaging and heartwarming. It really draws the viewer in and makes you feel like the portrait wants to start a conversation.
Manchester Open features artists at all stages of their careers. Why do you think opportunities like this are important for learning disabled and neurodivergent artists?
It gives artists the opportunity to showcase their talent and show what they can do. It also helps raise awareness of people’s different needs and experiences. It highlights the diversity in Greater Manchester. We’re not all the same. And that’s what this exhibition is all about. We’re not clones; we’re individuals.
How does it feel to see Venture Arts artists exhibiting alongside so many other artists from across the region?
It’s really encouraging. There’s such a positive attitude and good vibes. I’m pleased to see so many artists in the Venture Arts community exhibiting this year. It’s encouraging to see and makes me feel excited to submit my work for the next call-out. It’s very inspiring.
If someone was thinking about visiting Manchester Open this summer, what would you say to encourage them to go?
Get inspired by the exhibition. Go and see the collection this year and see what you could do in the future from an artist’s perspective. Give it a go because you’ll find inspiration and you might want to create something yourself. It’s free, it’s very accessible, and it feels like there are no barriers.
“I really enjoyed looking around the exhibition, seeing so many people from different ages and backgrounds producing artwork. There was so much to see, and it was therapeutic and inspiring.” – George Parker-Conway
Has visiting the exhibition inspired your own creative practice or given you any new ideas for your artwork?
Yes, it’s inspired me to look at doing illustrations of towns and cities, and maybe to work on more large-scale pieces.
It’s also inspired me to explore work with more political themes because they raise complex issues about society in a very visual way.
Experience Manchester Open for yourself
The exhibition is free to visit at HOME until 6 September 2026, with more than 400 artworks to discover from artists across Greater Manchester, including twelve Venture Arts artists.
