aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition @ Station South, Levenshulme
Dates: 14th November – 19th December, 2024
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The aAh! Magazine X Lights Up Exhibition celebrates the achievements of women in cycling, explores new narratives in sports and supports inclusivity and visibility within our community.
Hosted at Station South, this exhibition by aAh! – Manchester Metropolitan University’s arts and culture student magazine – showcases the powerful work of talented student writers, journalists, artists, designers, photographers, and filmmakers, all exploring themes of women’s empowerment, inclusivity, representation and visibility on our roads and beyond.
Opening on Thursday 14 November, the exhibition follows the Lights Up night-time bike ride led by Manchester’s Mayor of Cycling, Belinda Everett. Held on Saturday 9 November, this inspiring ride brought more than 150 women together from across Greater Manchester to illuminate the city streets, promoting safe and inclusive cycling for women as the winter season sets in.
The Exhibition
Station South will host a collection of creative works that delve into themes such as personal safety, visibility, women’s empowerment and representation, addressing not only cycling but also broader issues of inclusivity and accessibility in sports. The exhibition also explores the representation of marginalised groups and challenges conventional perceptions of who is seen as a cyclist or athlete.
Visitors are invited to reflect on cycling as an act of independence and empowerment, considering how light and visibility shape our interactions with urban spaces. From visual arts to creative writing and portraits, each piece offers a fresh perspective on reclaiming public spaces and challenging societal norms.
Lights Up is organised in partnership with Bee Pedal Ready, Station South, Manchester Metropolitan University, We are Cycling UK, MCRActive, TfGM and Starling Bikes. The ride aims to highlight the importance of women’s safety while cycling, especially as the dark winter months approach and the number of women on the roads significantly drops.