As we approach yet another month in lockdown, it becomes increasingly important to keep in touch with our artistic and cultural interests and hobbies. Cinemas, galleries and museums may be closed, yet there is still plenty to do! There is a wide range of online events taking place this month and beyond in the Manchester area. These events range from virtual galleries, to book groups and Zoom discussions.

aAh! have compiled a list of upcoming events in the arts and culture world in the hope to keep everyone busy and stimulated during these difficult times. Here are our top picks for an enjoyable February of art and culture.

Young Identity at HOME

Every Monday, 7:00 – 9:00pm |Free Online Entry

Fresh from launching their latest book, Young Identity at HOME meets every Monday. The team will deliver spoken word workshops inspired by HOME’s artistic programme. Workshops will take place from 19:00-21:00 and are open to all young people aged 15-25.

Sessions are free to attend, but you need to register in advance · Please contact youngcreatives@homemcr.org for information on how to get involved.

Art Comes HOME: Joy Yamusangie, Nick Burton and MSR FCJ – online

Ongoing | Free Online Access

HOME’s 2020 gallery reopening exhibition, Art Comes HOME, features three artist presentations: Bubbling Pitch, by MSR FCJ, Blue Glass Fortunes, by Joy Yamusangie, and Our Plague Year by Nick Burton. HOME Cinema is currently closed, but they have made as much of the exhibition possible available for you to enjoy online, including a curator walkthrough, high resolution images, picture galleries, and artist interviews.

They offer virtual tours of their galleries led by their curator Bren O’Callaghan.

LS Lowry: The Art & The Artist- Online

Ongoing|  Free Online Access

The Lowry is home to the world’s largest public collection of paintings and drawings by LS Lowry. A large selection is on display in the permanent exhibition alongside other works on loan from private collections across the UK. 

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House Book Group Online

3rd Thursday of Every Month, 1:00 – 2:15pm | £3 Donation

Book Group at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House focuses on reading (and re-reading) classic works of fiction. The groups covers “The long Nineteenth Century”, often looking at how British novels developed in conversation with other national literary traditions. The group is especially interested in women writers who carry on the spirit of Elizabeth Gaskell’s work.

New members are warmly welcomed. Meetings are led by Karen Laird, a volunteer at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, on the 3rd Thursday of every month from 1:00 – 2:15 pm.

The group now meets via Zoom and pre-booking is required, together with a donation of £3. 

Climate Talks

13th, 15th, 26th February, 7:30 pm| Free Online Entry

Throughout 2021, the Science Museum Group is hosting a series of Climate Talks, panel discussions, Q&As and events connecting you with leaders, experts, activists and campaigners as they discuss how to tackle the problems facing our communities due to climate change.

Protest: Stories of Resistance with Christopher Eccleston and Maxine Peake

10th February, 7:00pm| Tickets from £3 

Housmans Bookshop and Comma Press have joined forces to host two online events featuring readings from the Protest anthology by renowned British actors Christopher Eccleston and Maxine Peake.

Manchester Science Festival 2021

12th – 21st February, Various Times | Free Online Entry

Manchester Science Festival returns from Friday 12 – Sunday 21 February 2021 with a programme of free online talks, exhibitions, debates and activities that explore our changing climate and ideas for a better world.