The People Driving Real Change In Manchester
Featured Image: Nicola Cutts
Manchester is a city that never stops changing. From the mills and factories that belched out the Industrial Revolution over 200 years ago to the sprouting skyscrapers of today, the city is never stationary. The reality of Manchester is shifting, and much of it can be viewed through a cynical lens. But what about those changing our home for the better? From transforming rubbish to funding student–led projects, we’ve put together a list of the people making change – real change – in Manchester.
1838 Collective
1838 Collective is an artist-led, non-profit organisation based at Islington Mill in Salford. Founded by MA graduates of Manchester School of Art, who recognised the difficulties of maintaining an artistic practice after leaving education, this volunteer group organises events to bring artists together. Whether it’s coffee mornings, reading groups, or workshops, this community has become a vital network for emerging artists across Greater Manchester.
Plastic Shed
Let’s be real – who among us likes plastic? Certainly not this Stockport-based social enterprise. Plastic Shed transforms bottles, bags and all other sorts of rubbish into things people actually want to reuse – from clipboards made of milk bottle lids to vinyl plant pots. They run workshops on how to make your own eco-conscious creations, or you can simply donate your plastic waste for their upcoming projects.
NIAMOS
In the heart of Hulme, based in its turn-of-the-century hippodrome, lies the home of NIAMOS. Also known as the Nia, this historic theatre now hosts everything from The Green Party’s by-election watch party to open-mic improv music nights. With its fingers firmly on the pulse of Manchester’s music and radical political scenes, NIAMOS provides a much-needed space for real change in the city.
Blether
Named after the Scottish term that means to talk endlessly without making much sense, Blether combines theatre, queer culture and a self-described silliness as an antidote to the commercial art world of Manchester. Based in Levenshulme Old Library, the collective embraces a daft and DIY approach to art – creating spaces where people can unmask and let loose. And, to be honest, there aren’t many groups in Manchester that would host a drag JLS tribute act.
Other People’s Poetry
Literature, especially poetry, increasingly feels like it’s for some and not others. Other People’s Poetry challenges that and asks us all to consider ourselves as poets for a change. Organised by Manchester Metropolitan University alumni, the group provides free and regular opportunities for new and experienced writers to try their hand at poetry in a collaborative space based in SEESAW, based on Oxford Road.
Get It Done
Founded by creative producer Mimi Dearing, Get It Done has provided thousands of people with free and low-cost creative and cultural opportunities. Based in Manchester and London, the group gives tailored career guidance for young trailblazers to lead their own projects and make a big impact on their communities.
Freshrb
Formed over ten years ago by Oladamola “Mr Babz” Babalola, this Manchester social enterprise uses media to deliver important messages about public health. Inspired by his own survival story with cancer, Babalola’s group gives a voice to life-limiting and long term health conditions through storytelling in Manchester and beyond.
Making Great Communities Incubator
Manchester Metropolitan University’s Making Great Communities Incubator, part of the Rise initiative, offers £10,000 in funding, with up to £800 per bid, to support student-led projects across Greater Manchester. It encourages students to use creativity and social purpose to develop practical ideas that help strengthen and improve local communities.
