What Manchester Women Want exhibition 5-21 March 2009
A unique art exhibition produced by over 200 Manchester women is about to be unveiled by Manchester City Council at Central Library on Thursday 5 March.
The artwork was produced under the direction of professional Manchester-based artist Charlotte Newson and was inspired by the themes of last year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) event which celebrated the 80th year of full voting rights for women.
Entitled ‘What Manchester Women Want’ the exhibition, which will run for two and a half weeks, includes mini suffragette scenes and personal interpretations of female achievement and struggles past, present and future.
The opening night will also include a talk from Charlotte Newson about the concept for the forthcoming IWD 2009 celebration, featuring themed rooms, discussions and live entertainment to be held at Manchester Town Hall on Sunday 8 March.
This year’s IWD theme focuses on the inspirations and aspirations of women which is why all visitors to the town hall event are asked to bring a picture of a woman who has had a major impact on their life – whether that be a family member, a friend, a historical figure or even a contemporary personality.
All photographs will be scanned and digitally recorded and Charlotte Newson will use them to make up a portrait of Manchester’s famous suffragette daughter, Emmeline Pankhurst.
The finished artwork will be officially unveiled at IWD 2010 and will tour across Manchester for a year.
Councillor Sue Murphy, Lead Member for Women’s issues at Manchester City Council, says: “Manchester is full of amazing and motivating woman and we are committed to supporting them in their achievements.
The What Women Want exhibition is a powerful reminder of what women can achieve by working together and I’m very pleased that theme of unity will continue into this year’s new artwork from Charlotte Newson.”
Councillor Val Stevens, Deputy Leader at Manchester City Council, adds: “This exhibition gives local women an innovative way to express their views on exactly what Manchester needs. It also shows just how vitally important it is that women take a political and social interest in the policy-making decisions that affect the future of their city.”
What Manchester Women Want exhibition runs from 5- 21 March at Central Library, Manchester.
For more details about the exhibition or IWD email a.keelan@manchester.gov.uk or call 0161 234 4263.
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